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FORTY YEARS OF
WUNDERLICH
INDUSTRY

ERNEST WUNDERLICH

BORN IN LONDON MAY 1859

Dr.OTTO WUNDERLICH

BORN IN LONDON JUNE 1861 „

ALFRED WUNDERLICH

BORN IN LONDON JULY 1865

FOUNDERS OF THE WUNDERLICH INDUSTRIES.

THIS VOLUME WAS PRODUCED BY
THE PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT OF
WUNDERLICH LIMITED, IN COL¬
LABORATION WITH SMITH AND
JULIUS STUDIOS ; AND EDITED BY
ERNEST WUNDERLICH,
o

WHOLLY SET UP AND PRINTED
IN AUSTRALIA BY
BLOXHAM AND CHAMBERS LTD.,
SYDNEY.

ENGRAVINGS BY BACON AND CO.

FOREWORD

WENTY years have elapsed since the Booklet " Twenty
years of Wunderlich Industry ” appeared, primarily as a
souvenir of the great meeting of Architects and Builders,
held on the 12th October, 1908, on the occasion of the
opening of our new Administrative Building at Redfern.
To-day we publish a similar record, extending over a period of a further
twenty years.

This book arises out of a desire on the part of the brothers Wun¬
derlich to set down concisely the results of their life work, and to dedicate
it to their friends and patrons through whose support the firm of Wun¬
derlich Limited has prospered. It is not intended to be an advertisement,
in the ordinary sense, but rather a record of achievement, as showing
what can be done in Australia.

After forty years of close association with the building trade of Aus¬
tralia and New Zealand, we are able to judge of the great strides made
since Ernest Wunderlich landed in Australia in 1885. The difference
between the Sydney of forty years ago and the Sydney of to-day can only
be adequately realised by those who have lived through the period. Similar
expansion may also be observed in other Australian cities.

Many of our early patrons have passed away. But our personal
friendships with those of the older generation of Architects and Builders
still living are as firm and cordial as ever. To those still among us, we
would like to express a deep sense of gratitude for their generous support
during our early struggles. In those days, an Architect had to possess
courage and strength of character to convince his client and persuade
him to adopt something better but more expensive than that which was
in general use. Our thanks are also due to the younger generation of
Architects, with whom, to our regret, owing to the increased work in the
conduct of the business, the Directors are unable to come into personal
touch as often as they would like.

It was ever our aim to justify the confidence placed in us by the
Architectural profession, and that aim is still the corner stone of the
Company’s policy. Our motto is “ Quality and Service,” in pursuance

FOREW ORD —( Continued )

of which we may claim to have set the standard for the various types of
products manufactured, and to have been the first to anticipate the ar¬
chitect's requirements with regard to the modern building materials we
have introduced*

Efficiency in every department of our business is the keynote of our
success, and explains why our standard products are available at bedrock
rates, notwithstanding their high quality* Our staff of craftsmen and
technical experts is of a superior order, and highly paid, and we make
provision for them in their old age ; virtually, they are partners in the
business* With a sound organisation, ample capital and the co-operation
of our employees, we are equipped to render the highest service, and
are satisfied if we succeed in giving a fair return to our shareholders*

We claim to be idealists in business* We recognise that there is
more in commerce than mere money-getting* Commerce, in our opinion,
is, in fact, civilisation itself* To soften working conditions, to mitigate
the conflict between capital and labour, requires the exercise of principles
that are exceptional and, we believe, are justified* We are content to be
judged by our works*

Redfern , June , 1927*

CONTENTS

PAGE

Frontispiece ♦ Founders of the Wunderlich Industries

Foreword ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 5

Forty Years of Wunderlich Industry ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ 9

Wunderlich Industries and Achievements ♦

Art Metal Ceilings ♦♦♦♦♦♦
The Ceiling of Metal ♦

Manufacturing Processes ♦

Some Works Completed ♦

26
28
39

Architectural Metal Work •
Architectural Metal Work ♦
Manufacturing Processes ♦
Some Works Completed

52
54
57

Shopfronts and Showcases ♦
The Metal-Framed Shopfront
Manufacturing Processes
Some Works Completed

82
84
86

Durabestos (Asbestos-Cement) Building Sheets ♦ ♦ • 93

Durabestos Building Sheets ♦♦♦♦♦♦ 95

Manufacturing Processes ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 97

Some Applications of Durabestos ♦ 103

Terra Cotta Roofing Tiles ♦
Terra Cotta Roofing Tiles ♦
Manufacturing Processes ♦
Examples of Tiled Roofs ♦

107

109

118

Architectural Terra Cotta ♦
Architectural Terra Cotta ♦
Manufacturing Processes ♦
Terra Cotta Treatments ♦

123

124
127
135

Contents— Continued .

PAGE

The Organisation To-Day ♦
The Managing Directors ♦

Head Office ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Sydney Branch ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦

Melbourne Branch ♦ '♦♦♦♦♦
Adelaide Branch ♦ ♦♦♦♦.

Perth Branch ♦♦♦♦♦♦

Brisbane Branch ♦♦♦♦♦♦

Hobart Branch .

Publidty

Welfare Measures

Profit Sharing with Employees

Profits Made and Distributed ♦

Balance Sheets

The Wunderlich Roll of Honour

150

155

159

167

176

179

183

186

188

191

193

194

196

198

FORTY YEARS OF WUNDERLICH

INDUSTRY

HE history of the Wunderlich industries reads like a fairy
tale* The founder, Ernest Wunderlich, arrived in Australia
in 1885, to start business as agent for European manufac¬
turers* Most of the agencies he came out with were not
considered worth troubling about. He concentrated upon
reckoned to prove remunerative, but did not concern himself
about one for Zinc Roofing, the catalogue referring thereto being discarded
as not likely to secure business* But chance made this very agency, from
which nothing useful was expected, the corner stone of the future under¬
taking*

THE BIRTH OF THE BUSINESS *

A couple of years later, during which Ernest Wunderlich had been
doing business in his various lines, a friend — a master builder — was
at his house* After dinner a visit was paid to the nursery, where, scattered
on the floor, some architectural pictures from a torn and tattered catalogue
attracted the friend's attention* Gathering them up, and hitting upon
an illustration of a stamped Zinc Mansard Window, he exclaimed : “ Why
this is the very thing I have been looking for and cannot get in Australia*
I could use them on some houses I am building at Rushcutters' Bay*"
He placed an order for their supply, and further orders soon followed
from other builders and architects*

That was the birth of the Wunderlich business as now known* It
was a queer working of fate* Zinc ornamental roofings for several large
buildings — the Colonial Secretary's Office, the City Bank, the City
Mutual Assurance and others — were imported into Australia from abroad*
In 1887 Alfred Wunderlich, who had represented his brother in London,
came out to Sydney*

THE FIRST METAL CEILING *

In 1888 the Sydney Town Hall (then called Centennial Hall) was
nearing completion, and the great hall was to have what at that time was
perhaps the largest organ in the world* The plans showed a highly ornate

Ornamental Zinc Roofing to the Colonial Secretary's Office (now
Public Works Dept.)/ Sydney ; erected 40 years ago, and still
well-preserved.

plaster ceiling, with supporting consoles, domes and heavy projecting
cornices, all of plaster* As a musician, it occurred to Ernest Wunderlich
that when the lower pipes of the organ, with their powerful vibrations
of 32 per second, began to sound, there would be every likelihood of their
bringing down the plaster on the heads of the audience. Following up
the idea “ how to make that ceiling safe/' he said to himself: ** Why
not make it of sheet metal ? ” He argued, “ If stamped zinc has been
found suitable for roof decoration, why not so for ceilings ? 99 He con¬
fided his scheme to the City Organist, the late Neville Barnett, who was
quite enthusiastic about it. Misgivings as to metal interfering with acous¬
tics were removed, after consultation with architects and practical builders.
Leaving nothing to chance, he took out letters patent for stamped zinc
as applied to ceilings. The next move was to obtain the support of the
joint architects, the late City Architect (George McRae) and the late
J. F. Hennessy, which was readily given. Ernest Wunderlich then put his
case to the Mayor of Sydney, the late John Harris, as forcibly as possible,
following this visit up with a personal canvass of each alderman of the
Sydney Municipal Council. In due course the matter came before the
Council, Ernest Wunderlich in attendance, and it was an exciting moment
for him when the resolution to substitute stamped zinc for plaster was
carried.

The material for this vast ceiling was mostly imported, but assembled
here in a workshop at Kent Street, under the supervision of the foreman
sent out by the home factory. After thirty-nine years this ceiling, covering
a surface of 2,500 square yards, is still in position, intact, and without
the slightest sign of wear and tear — as good as when erected.

Numerous ceiling contracts followed. To mention only a few —
Beale's and Paling's Piano Showrooms, Adams' Cafe, the more important

Perfect to-day ! The Zinc Ceiling to Adam's Hotel Bar,

George Street, Sydney ; 39 years in position*

ceilings of the Hotel Australia, Aaron's Exchange Hotel Dining Room ;
also others in Melbourne* All these ceilings, except where the buildings
have been altered, are perfect at this day*

MANUFACTURING IS COMMENCED *

The greatest difficulty was the want of skilled tradesmen to carry out
the fixing* Ernest Wunderlich therefore left for Europe and brought out
a batch of superior metal workers, with a view to instructing our Australian
journeymen and starting the manufacture of stamped metal in Aus¬
tralia* A site at Baptist Street, Redfern, was acquired, and there the
first small factory of wood and iron was built and the first baby stamper
installed* The motive power was supplied by a small second-hand port¬
able engine*

IMPORTANT CEILING TREATMENTS *

Meanwhile the prejudice against Metal Ceilings was being overcome
by sheer quality of work and reliable execution of Architects' plans*
“ Wunderlich Ceilings " began to figure freely in architects' specifications*

Applied in 1890. Zinc Roofing to fourteen domes of Sydney
Hospital, as well as Wunderlich Ceilings throughout.

Among some of the larger buildings in which they were fixed throughout
may be mentioned the Mutual Life of New York, Martin Place, and the
Sydney Hospital, Macquarie Street (the fourteen domes of this block of
buildings were of zinc also).

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES .

The first set-back was experienced over this Hospital contract. The
ceilings and domes were all but completed when the contractor failed in
his payments, and this meant practically wiping the brothers' modest
capital off the slate. Such a misfortune might have wrecked any similar
organisation. With characteristic energy the brothers set to work to retrieve
the position. Fortunately, they had a staunch friend in the person of the
late George Turnbull, Manager of the National Bank of Australasia Ltd.
He had sufficient confidence to promise he would see the young concern
through, and he did, for which kind act he will ever be held in grateful
remembrance. The sequel has shown that his confidence was not mis¬
placed — the young beginners he helped have meant good business for
the Bank over a period of nearly forty years.

BUSINESS IN VICTORIA .

In 1890 the firm's operations had expanded to all the Australian
States and New Zealand. To cope with the business offering in Victoria,
a branch in Melbourne appeared essential, but as this required a greater
capital than the brothers could muster, arrangements were made with
W. H. Rocke & Co. Ltd., in Melbourne, to run the metal department as a
separate section of their business, Ernest being engaged as Manager. He

The Wunderlich Display at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition,
held in Sydney in 1892.

spent three years in Melbourne, establishing a factory in Leicester Street,
Carlton, his efforts resulting in Metal Roofs and Ceilings being used for
many public and private buildings in Victoria.

LIMITED COMPANY FORMED.

In 1893_fateful year of financial crisis and disaster in the Colonies —

Ernest relinquished his post at Rocke’s and re-joined his brother in Sydney,
where his major interests lay. The business was formed into a limited
liability company, with a capital of £10,000, under the name of the Wun¬
derlich Patent Ceiling and Roofing Company Limited. By this time the
business had become firmly established; nothing was too big or too
difficult to undertake, and architects knew that however intricate their

An early view (probably about 1895) of the Sheet Metal Working
Department at Redfern.

designs, they would be carried out properly* Only good work was at¬
tempted, “ Indifferent work is never Wunderlich's ” was a slogan that
appeared again and again in the literature pertaining to Wunderlich pro¬
ducts* The name became a synonym for high-class work, and that
reputation has endured* It pervades the whole of the Wunderlich or¬
ganisation, whose metal workers, trained as they are to the highest standard,
could not produce inferior work even if they were asked to do so*

STEEL AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ZINC *

It was during this period that a substitute was found for the more
expensive metal—sine* The great firm of Lysaghts, in Bristol, England,
supplied thin sheet steel of a highly malleable character at a much lower
price than zinc* Steel thus began to be used for ceilings on a still larger
scale on account of its lower cost, and every year several thousands of tons
were stamped into ceiling material*

COMPETITORS APPEAR *

It was only to be expected that the great success of metal ceilings
would bring into existence numerous imitators, keen to profit by the
demand that had been created* But all had more or less brief careers,
and the pages of Wunderlich history are replete with the names of rivals
who have “ given up ” or been absorbed by the original concern.

WUNDERLICH TREATMENT TO PALACE THEATRE *

In 1896 the Palace Theatre was built♦ The treatment of the audi¬
torium was of Wunderlich stamped metal, and manufactured in its entirety
in the Redfern works* The decorations were of Moorish-Indian style,
comprising groined arches, domes, columns, pendentives, gallery fronts,
boxes, minarets, proscenium, etc* The designs were by the scenic artist
Mr* Phil Goatcher, who also carried out the colouring and gilding* Un¬
fortunately, this jewel box of a theatre was too small to pay, so it was en¬
larged and entirely reconstructed a few years ago — an artistic loss to
the City of Sydney* The same artist also designed and decorated the
metal enrichments, in Moorish style, for Singer's Showrooms, Queen
Victoria Market Buildings* Never having been touched for thirty years,
they nevertheless look as if they had been applied yesterday*

THE ADVENT OF ROOFING TILES .

The brothers' roofing tile business also originated by a happy chance*
In 1892 the first cargo of tiles from Marseilles was consigned to a Sydney
firm, who was unable or unwilling to undertake the financing thereof*
A deadlock ensued, and the Belgian Consul in Sydney (Mr* Alfred van
Rompaey) received cabled instructions to intervene* Being a friend of
the Wunderlichs, and knowing them to be in the building trade, he placed
the sale of this cargo in their hands* Account sales and remittance followed
in due course, which, being satisfactory to the shippers, opened up re¬
lations with the Tile Manufacturers in Marseilles, and led to regular
shipments and an extensive turnover of the French product in Australia*
Up to 1914, when vessels were no longer obtainable, no full cargoes were
discharged at the Firm's Wharf, Neutral Bay, representing 75 million
tiles, sufficient for the roofs of 40 thousand houses of average size* What
the introduction of terra cotta roofing tiles meant to the appearance of
Sydney is known to those who recollect the drab and grey aspect of Sydney
when entering Port Jackson* Wunderlich's have literally “ painted the
town red*" The suburbs have now assumed a rich red hue that har¬
monises with the dark green of the eucalyptus* To the Wunderlich brothers
belongs the credit of this transformation* Indeed, this striking innovation
showed Australians how to make their homes bright and colourful outside ;
the Wunderlichs had already shown how to make them refined and artistic
within*

DR. WUNDERLICH ENTERS THE BUSINESS *

In 1900 the third brother appears on the scene* Dr* Otto Wunderlich,
having, in the course of travel, journeyed half way to Australia, thought
he might as well come the rest of the distance and visit his brothers there*
What he saw impressed him so much that he expressed a desire to join.

Up to the outbreak of War, sailing ships from Marseilles had landed
at the Wunderlich Wharves about 75 millions of Tiles — sufficient
for the roofs of forty thousand homes.

His scientific turn of mind enabled him to visualise the vast possibilities
the future might hold for the young firm. His offer was accepted, and
he threw in his lot with the brothers. To return to England, sell his
practice in London, and come out again to Sydney was a matter of a
few months. His contribution of capital ensured him Directorship, and
with enthusiasm he at once entered into questions of organisation and
administration. His trained mind concentrated on one problem after
another. He established an improved costing system ; he standardised
manufacture ; introduced improved methods of selling, and deputed many
responsibilities that had hitherto devolved on the principals. His efforts
resulted in exact prime costing, greater economy in manufacture, a re¬
organised selling scheme and, above all, relief to the principals, without
impairing the successful conduct of the business ; on the contrary, making
it more thorough than it was before. The principles established by Dr.

Workshop additions in 1904 evidence the expansion that was
taking place in the Wunderlich Industries.

Wunderlich have been the basis on which all the subsequent expansion
has been made possible.

FEDERATION .

1901 saw the States of Australia federated into the Australian Com¬
monwealth — an event that gave a great impetus to trade.

CAPITAL INCREASED .

In 1904 the Company's capital was increased to £25,000. In that
year a branch was opened in Melbourne. Export trade to Java, India,
etc., took an upward turn in consequence of a visit of Dr. Wunderlich
to those parts. Now that the production of steel ceilings exceeded all
bounds, attention was given to the question of a distinctive style and a
greater range of the Company's designs. The work was entrusted to
Mr. S. V. Rowe (now art instructor at East Sydney Technical College),
who had just arrived in Australia, fresh from the South Kensington School.
His art has been a potent factor in maintaining that supremacy of design
for which the Wunderlich productions have acquired a name both in
Australia and abroad.

WUNDERLICH LIMITED FORMED .

The next years witnessed intense rivalry between Rocke's and Wun¬
derlich's, and in 1908, to put an end to disastrous price-cutting, their
interests were pooled, and an amalgamation effected. Wunderlich Limited
was thus formed, with a nominal capital of £200,000, paid up to £144,500.
Rocke's Directors made it a condition that the Wunderlich Brothers should
consent to become Directors for life, and this was embodied in the articles
of association. A local board for Melbourne, subject to control of the

T 7

full board, consisted of the Hon, W, L, Baillieu, the Hon, Theodore Fink,
and the late Mr, W, Densham,

Thus, after twenty years of spade work, the business became the
public company and took the form as it is known to-day,

EXPANSION OF ACTIVITIES ,

In that year the new block of administrative offices, erected at Redfern,
was officially opened in the presence of a large gathering of architects
and builders, and gentlemen representative of the commercial and political
life of New South Wales and Victoria, Factories were opened in Wel¬
lington, N,Z,, and Perth, W,A, The Brisbane Branch was inaugurated
in 1909 and Adelaide in 1910, Hobart and Launceston Branches soon
followed, Embosteel Limited, a competitor in Sydney, was absorbed in
1913, Mr, H, P, Wormald taking, for a time, a seat on the Wunderlich
Board, In the same year the nominal capital was increased to £300,000,
with £222,591 paid up,

A new activity was launched when, in June, 1914, the Company
acquired the shopfront and show case business conducted in Sydney by
John Hughes Ltd, The move proving successful, departments along
similar lines were soon established in the various Branches, where they
now rank as important adjuncts,

PROFIT-SHARING INAUGURATED .

This year, a scheme of profit-sharing was inaugurated, whereby
employees of marked ability or long service are awarded shares in the
Company, the amounts being regulated by the success of the year's opera¬
tions, As will be seen from reference to a later chapter devoted to the
subject, the scheme has operated with marked success, bringing tangible
benefits to the participants and drawing closer their relations with the
management, to the betterment of that spirit of harmony which makes
for happiness and prosperity in any enterprise,

COPING WITH WAR CONDITIONS ,

On the heels of these events came the war, causing momentous changes
in the fortunes of the concern. The first thing that happened was the
stoppage of steel supplies — the next, that tile shipments from France
came to an end. The two main arteries of the business were severed.
How to carry on and provide dividends to shareholders was a problem
that confronted the Directors, No time was lost in building a tile factory
on the Company's clay land at Rosehill. By 1916 the factory was in full
swing, producing at the rate of three million tiles per annum. The es¬
tablishment of similar factories in the other States quickly followed.
In the matter of ceilings, things were not so easy. It was the potency of
the name that stood the Company in good stead in those trying times.

In the experimental shed, the first Wunderlich Tiles of
Rosehill clay were manufactured.

Clients permitted contracts to be executed in almost any materials—plaster,
wood, cardboard, etc.— as long as Wunderlichs gave their imprimatur
to the work. In this way the Redfern factory was partially transformed
into a plasterers' shop during the latter period of the war and for some
time after. In the hunt for ceiling materials, a subsidiary company was
formed in 1915 to manufacture Asbestos Cement Sheets. The factory
was erected at Cabarita, on the Parramatta River, and the product bore
the name “ Durabestos.'' The Company worked up its asbestos fibre
from its own mines in Beaconsfield, Tasmania, and Barraba, N.S.W.
Wunderlich Ltd., having a preponderating interest in the Company,
decided in 1918 to consolidate it with the major Company.

These various measures to cope with war conditions enabled the
Company to keep faith with its shareholders, even though the rate of
dividends had to be reduced. The tabulation of figures from the firm's
Balance Sheets, published in this book, shows how profits were affected
during the war years, and how they recovered after the armistice.

AFTER-WAR PROSPERITY .

Following the return to peace conditions, the business rapidly re¬
gained its old activity. Extra capital being needed, the nominal amount
was increased to half a million pounds, of which the sum of £380,000
was issued. Orders for millions of terra cotta roofing tiles for War Service
Homes kept the Tileries at full pressure, while the revived demand for
steel ceilings brought back almost normal conditions at Redfern Works
and similar plants in the Branches.

ARCHITECTURAL TERRA COTTA *

In the midst of this, the Company, being established in the clay
working industry, with an ample area of land available, and having a large
technical staff, decided to enter upon the manufacture of Architectural
Terra Cotta for the facing of buildings, and investigations were made as
to the suitability of local materials* A laboratory was established for the
study of local clays and glazes* Messrs* Ross & Rowe, Architects, about
this time decided upon ceramic facing for the proposed new Government
Savings Bank, Sydney, and learning that the Company proposed estab¬
lishing this industry, arrangements were made to undertake the work*
When the protracted negotiations respecting Martin Place extension were
finalised, and the concrete structure erected, the fixing of the terra cotta
facing was commenced in 1926* This is now practically completed, and
is recognised as a monumental work* What are probably the largest
Ionic columns and capitals ever built are here carried out in this imperish¬
able ceramic material*

WORKS AT ROSEHILL AND SUNSHINE *

In 1923 the erection of a new works adjoining the Company's Tileries
at Rosehill was at once proceeded with* The latest methods were in¬
vestigated, a leading American Ceramic Engineer and an expert Works
Superintendent were engaged* During 1924 production commenced*
Temple Court, in Melbourne, was the first large work completed* A

Huge Ionic Columns and Capitals are a
notable feature of the Wunderlich ceramic
treatment to the facade of the new Government
Savings Bank, Martin Place, Sydney. The
accompanying illustration of the model of one
of the Capitals furnishes an idea of their size
—probably they are the largest ever made.

Architectural Terra Cotta, the latest Wunderlich manufacture, finds widespread
employment as a facing for city buildings. In the work illustrated, the
material is anchored to the concrete beam at each floor level, and bonded in
with the brickwork between floor levels.

period of intense activity set in. Extensions were made during 1925 and
again in 1926, until to-day upwards of 100 men are employed in this
particular factory alone, and many works have been completed to the
satisfaction of our clients. During 1926 a second works was erected at
Sunshine, Victoria, to supply the local market; this is now producing.
The quality of the new product made an immediate appeal to Architects,
many of whom are adopting it for important buildings in the Capital
Cities, thus settling any doubt as to the success of the enterprise.

ISSUED CAPITAL £500,000.

Towards the end of 1926, a further addition was made to the paid-up
capital of the Company, by the issue of 120,000 shares at a premium of
7s. 6d. per share. Within the next few months, when this issue is final¬
ised, the total paid up capital will stand at £500,000.

THE COMPANY TO-DAY.

After forty years of manufacturing and trading, the Company now
possesses Offices and Works, with highly trained staffs, in each State of
the Commonwealth, besides sub-branches at Launceston (Tasmania) and

Newcastle (N*S*W*)* The permanent staff numbers about 1,100, most
of them long service men, who have grown up with the concern and as¬
similated its methods, aims and ideals* The policy of the Company has
always been to remunerate its employees without any hard and fast re¬
striction to the lowest ruling rates ; and never to set up the mediocre or
mere 44 average ” man as the standard in any class or group of workers*
Services are remunerated in proportion to the employee's energy, efficiency
and responsibility incurred*

Throughout its history, the business holds the remarkable record of
never having experienced serious industrial trouble* This solidarity
between employers and employees is no mere convention* In their factories
and offices, Wunderlichs have made every effort to create a 44 home at¬
mosphere*" An inspection of the Head Office at Redfern reveals comforts
for the clerical staff probably unexcelled in Australia* Visitors to the
factories at Redfern, Rosehill and Cabarita, as well as similar plants in
other States, are impressed by the tidiness and order prevailing ; by the
sanitary conveniences, the dining rooms, the flower gardens and lawns,
the sports reserve and grandstand ; tangible evidence that Wunderlichs
are in the vanguard of concerns who have at heart the welfare of their
workers*

CONCLUSION *

Forty years of industry have demonstrated the value of real co¬
operative effort between employer and employee* For that reason, the
Company was able to weather the dislocation and losses caused by the
war, and to continue paying dividends though supplies of its raw materials
were cut off* It explains why, during those fateful years, the value of
its shares on the Stock Exchange fluctuated only in a small degree, and
now stands amongst the highest quoted of industrial concerns*

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THE CEILING OF METAL

ALTHOUGH the use of metal for ceiling purposes is probably
as old as civilisation, most of the earliest examples recorded
relate to the more precious metals, such as brass and bronze,
or even gold* The Greeks used metal in their temples, and
the Romans employed it for their monumental edifices*
Pliny refers to the ** great gilt bronze plates on ceilings within the city*”
The elaborate interior and exterior metal decorations of the Pantheon in
Rome were filched by the later Emperors* But all this work was probably
cast, not stamped*

THE RAW MATERIAL *

The first Wunderlich ceiling manufactured in Australia was stamped
in Zinc, a highly malleable metal, responsive to the most exacting require¬
ments of decorative design* Later on, steel ceilings, because of their
lower cost, began to supplant zinc for ordinary work, the sheets used
being of a specially malleable quality, obtained from John Lysaght, Bristol*
To-day the material utilised for Wunderlich Steel Ceilings is rolled by
this firm at Newcastle, N*S*W*

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES *

On arrival at the Works, the steel sheets are given a thick film of oil
paint as a safeguard against atmospheric influence* The ceiling design
is imparted by placing the steel sheet between a cast metal die and a
matrix, the latter being attached to a weighty drop-hammer, which descends
with several well-regulated blows until the pattern becomes clearly defined*
In the preparation of the die, considerable skill and knowledge are re¬
quired, necessitating the employment of highly talented artists and crafts¬
men* The artist's design is firstly modelled in clay, and then cast in
plaster* The latter passes to the foundry and is cast in zinc* This is
termed the “ die*” Thousands of plaster castings are stored at Redfern
Works, carefully catalogued so as to be readily available for die-moulding
as the need for the design arises*

From the foundry, the zinc die is taken to the stamping department,
where the operator, placing it on the bed of the stamping machine, casts
from it a type-metal matrix, which he secures to the drop-hammer* Prep¬
arations are then complete for the embossing of the design on the steel
sheets*

In the case of popular patterns, of which thousands of sheets are
stamped at frequent intervals, iron dies are prepared, thus obviating the
constant casting of zinc dies.

After being embossed, the steel ceiling material is trimmed to size
by powerful guillotines, inspected, checked and received into the ware¬
house. Certain of the stampings, such as centreflowers and mitre leaves,
are taken to the pressing department, where they are perforated on toggle
presses or trimmed by band saws or circular cutters.

THE INDUSTRY TO-DAY.

The parent works for the manufacture of steel ceilings are situated
at Baptist Street, Redfern, Sydney, where three acres of floor space are
given up to the industry. Offshoots are in operation in the other States.
Up till the outbreak of the Great War, approximately 30,000 tons of steel
sheets had been converted into ceiling material — sufficient to pave a
tract, two feet wide, from Sydney to London. During the war period,
the industry experienced a set-back, owing to shortage of supplies of
raw material, but normal conditions have brought a renewed demand for
Wunderlich Ceilings, to cope with which the Works were enlarged recently.
Apart from steel, there are many tons of sheet zinc, copper and galvanised
iron used annually for stamping into ceiling material for various special
purposes.

COMPLETED WORK.

As the pages of this book demonstrate, Wunderlich Art Metal Ceilings
have been installed in buildings of all types. They are also in general use
throughout Australia for railway carriages, effectively withstanding the
extreme conditions which tend to impair the stability of any applied sur¬
face fabric.

SOME WORKS IN PROGRESS.

In Sydney, the ceilings of the Banking Chamber of the palatial new
premises for the Government Savings Bank of New South Wales, Martin
Place, are now being executed in embossed zinc of rich classic design,
and the cornices and girder soffits of all remaining ceilings throughout
the building are of steel. Two other important structures, the emporiums
of David Jones Ltd. and Farmer & Co. Ltd., are to have extensive canti¬
lever awnings on three street frontages, with ceilings of Wunderlich
hammered bronze, to special design. Another work in progress is the
Wunderlich ceiling treatment to the Palais Theatre, St. Kilda, Melbourne,
comprising cornices, mouldings, friezes and embellishments in plain and
enriched stamped zinc, to special design.

The road into the Redfern Works leads past lawns and garden plots.

All available space bordering the paths and roadways is converted
into grass plots.

In the Modellers' Studio, designs are modelled in clay, and plaster dies are prepared.

In the foundry, with the plaster models as patterns, zinc dies are cast.

Steel Sheets for stamping purposes are handled by electric hoists and travellers*

A protective film of oil paint is applied to each side of the steel sheet.

In the Stamping Department, the zinc die that has been cast in the foundry
is placed on the stamper bed, and a metal matrix is cast from it, then secured
to the drop hammer.

Regulated blows of the drop-hammer impress the design in the
steel sheet*

Trimming of the stamped material takes place on guillotines or metal cutting

bandsaws.

Toggle presses are employed for various operations, such as blanking,
forming and folding.

Accurate trimming by guillotines is essential to ensure that the stamped
material is true to size and, consequently, easy to fix.

In the warehouse, finished products are examined and faulty materials rejected.

Material for rail or steamer is packed in close boarded cases*

This engineering shop is fully equipped, not only for repair work, but also
to turn out some of the new machinery required in the Wunderlich industries*

Stamped Zinc Centreflower.

Stamped Steel Panel.

A full sheet of Steel Diaper (actual size, 6ft. by 2 ft.)

Moulding, embossed in Steel.

Cornice of Embossed Steel.

TYPICAL EMBOSSED METAL CEILING UNITS.

maae,

A COMPLETE CEILING OF EMBOSSED STEEL.

Wunderlich Art Metal Ceilings are produced in various stock units, comprising
diaper sheetings, panellings, borders, mouldings, cornices, beam soffits, centre-
flowers, etc. Being standardised in size and method of jointing, the various
patterns can be assembled into an unlimited number of combinations, pro¬
ducing complete ceilings of ever-varying character. The above is an illus¬
tration of one of the effects attainable with stock patterns.

Wunderlich Ceiling in Parliament House, Sydney.
39

The Town Hall at Wellington, N.Z., has ceilings of Wunderlich Art Metal.

Wunderlich Ceiling in the Board Room of the Queensland National Bank.

Richly coffered zinc ceiling in the R.C. Cathedral, Wellington, N.Z.

Another coffered ceiling, installed in the Timaru Cathedral, N*Z.

Zinc Ceilings of classic richness are installed throughout the Basilica,
Dunedin, N.Z.

Rare quality of design characterises this ceiling treatment to the R.C. Cathedral,
Christchurch, N.Z.

Wunderlich Ceilings are installed in Banking Premises in every city of the Commonwealth.

Wunderlich Art Metal is an effective medium for imparting a decorative
finish to the underside of the modern cantilever awning.

A typical instance of a Wunderlich Ceiling Treatment to a city shop,

Portion of the Wunderlich Ceiling Treatment to the King's Theatre, Adelaide,

A highly decorative treatment, with Wunderlich embossed metal, to the
proscenium and around boxes of a modern theatre.

Metal enrichment to balcony fronts of (left) Lyceum Pictures, Sydney,
and (right) King's Pictures, Brisbane.

Heavily embossed bronze ceiling to awning of Lennon's Hotel, Brisbane.

Above : Metropoli¬
tan Fire Station,
Murray Street,
Perth.

Below : A.M.P.

Building; Goode
Durrant; Viking
House.

Above : Public

Library, Perth.
Centre : Boans
Ltd.

Below : D. & W.
Murray Ltd.

Seven Important Buildings in Perth, W.A., Treated Throughout with
Wunderlich Art Metal Ceilings.

Wunderlich Ceiling Panels to Railway Parlour Car, Observation Room.

Parlor Car, Queensland Government Railways, showing Wunderlich Ceilings,

During the past 25 years, the N.S.W* Railway Department has employed
enriched zinc panels in the treatment of walls and ceilings of carriages built
for long-distance traffic* These panels have been designed by Wunderlich
artists, and modelled to suit the various areas treated* The above picture of
a First-class Drawing Room Compartment, illustrates the 44 Wheat ” design,
symbolic of the valuable primary product of the great fertile areas of the State*
Various Railway Departments throughout the Commonwealth have adapted
Wunderlich embossed metal panels to the same purpose*

Simple, as well as highly ornate designs are available in Wunderlich Art Metal

5 °

ARCHITECTURAL
METAL WORK

ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK

all the mediums that have been employed by the architect
to give expression to his genius in decorative design, nothing
has excelled metal in the versatility of its adaptation to
various purposes, or the richness of the results obtained*
History testifies that, amongst the Assyrians and Egyptians,
^e favoured metal* The great gates from Balawat, about
2,800 years old — now in the British Museum — are a magnificent tribute
to the skill of the ancient workers in hammered bronze* Later on, the
Greeks used bronze freely, a notable architectural example being the
covering of the entire interior of the treasury of Atreus, at Mycenae, with
a lining of bronze plates* In the Roman period, the metal was employed
as a roofing material for the Pantheon portico, and in mediaeval days
this practice was widely adopted, as in the case of the roof of St* Mark's,
Venice* The middle ages are marked by the liberal use of bronze, for
doors of sumptuous splendour and supreme quality of design*

MODERN ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK *

In modern times, with various metals at hand, the architectural uses
for decorative metalwork have multiplied enormously* What was formerly
prohibitive on account of the relatively high cost of bronze is now attain¬
able in an alternative material, such as zinc or galvanised iron* Cer¬
tainly, pride of place still belongs to bronze, which is unrivalled for beauty,
durability and delicacy of surface* But for roofing and exterior enrichment
of extreme permanence and pronounced decorative value, zinc is an
economical medium that now receives widespread recognition*

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES *

The basis of all achievement in hammered metal is the malleability
and ductility of the material employed* Sheet metals can be made to
assume almost any shape under the hammer, or by pressure, provided
the property of malleability is maintained by timely annealing* In the
Wunderlich plants devoted to the production of architectural metalwork,
there is installed up-to-date machinery for the stamping, pressing and
bending of sheet metals, attended by expert operators who are familiar
with the virtues and limitations of each metal* Modelled ornament is
usually reproduced by placing the sheet metal between a die and matrix,

and subjecting it to controlled blows from a drop hammer, as previously
related in the description of metal ceiling manufacture* This process
ensures crisp and sharp rendition of the modelled detail* If the work
in hand involves square or moulded unornamented members, there are
powerful presses that perform the operations with mechanical precision,
and guillotines that trim with the utmost degree of accuracy*

ASSEMBLING AND FINISHING *

After the embossing or pressing is complete, the various parts are
assembled by the sheet-metal worker* His occupation involves a knowledge
of such processes as soldering, brazing, rivetting, filing, seaming, annealing
and metal-beating, as well as a capacity to interpret drawings and develop
patterns* When he has assembled the work, it is taken to the polishing
department, should the specification call for other than the natural metal
finish, and is polished or oxidised as desired* Bronze, brass, copper and
gilding metal lend themselves to such treatments, but zinc is probably
most attractive in its natural grey colour, when exposed to the weather ;
or painted an appropriate shade, when used as an interior decorative
material*

THE INDUSTRY TO-DAY *

The basis of the Wunderlich business in architectural metalwork was
laid forty years ago, when Ernest Wunderlich obtained the first order
for zinc roofing* Within a few years, plant was installed on the present
site at Baptist Street, Redfern, where an entire block of buildings is now
given up to metal working, and its related industry, the manufacture of
metal ceilings* Separate plants, with the necessary trained staffs for
handling work of any probable dimensions, are in existence in each Capital
city of the Commonwealth*

RANGE OF TREATMENTS *

As the illustrations on succeeding pages of this book demonstrate,
there is practically no limit to the range of metalwork which architecture
involves* It includes enrichments and treatments to roofs, facades and
interiors of buildings, as well as the higher achievements in bronze, such
as nameplates, tablets and statuary groups which, by their refined grace¬
fulness and dignity of design, mark the supreme expression of the archi¬
tect's genius* Apart from metalwork of a purely architectural character,
there are numerous metal products manufactured by the Wunderlich
plants, including copper, brass and nickel silver tip-up wash basins, inter¬
locking galvanised iron roofing, steel siding and ribbed flooring for the
Railway Departments in the various States, and pressings and stampings
for other manufacturers*

Sharp and crisp pressings are produced on this powerful machine,

The metalworker completes the assembling of stamped and pressed metal parts.

Metal Polishers give the final finish to the products of the metalworker*

Architectural Metalwork of every conceivable type is handled in the
Wunderlich Finishing Departments*

The metal to be spun, usually copper, brass, nickel-silver or zinc, is firstly
cut to the form of a flat disc, then placed in a lathe, where it is held firmly
against a wooden or metal pattern of the same form as the metal is intended to
assume. As the lathe revolves, the metal is bent into concentric curves by means
of gentle and continuous pressure, applied with a blunt-ended metal tool held
against the disc, until finally it is spun into the shape of the pattern. Very
intricate shapes, such as those of vases or terminals, can be produced in this way.

Metal Spinning is an art that has been largely superseded by the mechanical
processes of stamping and pressing, but it is still a useful accessory in the
shaping of various sheet metal materials.

Ornamental Copper treatment to domes and tower of the Flinders Street
Railway Station, Melbourne.

Zinc Cornice, Terminals, Hip-rolls, and Griffins (over 7 feet high) to the
Records Office, Melbourne.

Centre : St. James'
Church, Sydney.

Below : The Rialto
Melbourne.

Above : The Arts
School,
Melbourne
University.

Below : The
Horsfall Chapel,
Melbourne
University.

Typical Wunderlich Treatments in Copper, Muntz-Metal or Zinc, to
Spires and Fleches.

Sheathing of interlocking Copper Tiles, to dome of Pear's Building,
Prahran, Victoria.

Extensive treatment, with diminishing interlocking Copper Tiles, to the domes
of the Synagogue, St. Kilda, Victoria.

Grace Bros., Sydney (Zinc Griffins).

The Old Stock Exchange,
Melbourne.

Fisher Library, Sydney University. Bandstand, Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy.

Copper and Zinc Roofing and Enrichments to Domes, Turrets and Fleches.

Interlocking Galvanised Steel Roofing and Muntz-Metal Vent Cowls to
N.S.W. Railway Carriages.

Wunderlich Interlocking Roofing, also Steel Sheathing below windows, to
N.S.W. Electric Railway Carriages.

Public Trust Office, Napier, New Zealand. The panels under windows, also
entrance light brackets, nameplates and coat of arms, are of Wunderlich
hammered and built bronze.

The Temperance and General Mutual Life Assurance Society's Offices,
Elizabeth Street, Sydney, showing the copper treatment to oriel windows,
parapet frieze, domes, and awnings.

The N.Z. Insurance Co.'s Offices, Auckland, enriched with Wunderlich
ornamental hammered bronze panels, under windows. The column casing,
capitals and metalwork around entrance are also of bronze.

Rofe Chambers, O'Connell Street, Sydney; illustrating the Wunderlich
bronze panels under windows of the upper and ground floors. Modern
construction finds a prolific use for bronze in work of this character.

ROFE CHAMBERS

m a EH''sf w « :T ur u Mtk f Hli M

"Si 1 vWWWmWTWWM TSTOTtt

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Bronze-encased entrance doors to Rofe Chambers, Sydney. Although the use of bronze
for purposes such as this dates back 3,000 years or more, modern architecture has dis¬
covered no substitute rivalling, in dignity and permanence, this time-honoured and
ornamentally responsive metal.

The bronze frames and spandrils of windows between piers are Wunderlich

productions.

Parcels Post Office, Melbourne, carrying a Wunderlich bronze treatment to panels and
frames of windows, between columns.

Three pairs of entrance doors of the Commonwealth Bank (Head Office), Sydney, are
encased with Wunderlich wrought bronze. The treatment is carried into the feature

above the doors.

The Wunderlich treatment to the entrance lounge of the Hotel Australia, Sydney,
is an impressive tribute to the merits of bronze. The work comprises hammered and
wrought bronze cornice and pilasters to the lounge, as well as moulded bronze
ceiling over the entrance. In addition, the enriched cornice and girder soffits of
the lounge ceiling are of Wunderlich embossed zinc. The work was carried out for
Howie Moffat & Co. Ltd., Contractors, to the designs of Robertson and Marks,

Architects.

Another view of the bronze treatment to cornice and pilasters of the entrance
lounge, Hotel Australia, Sydney. The grille of the Booking Office is also

of bronze.

This sepulchral effigy, and the Fallen Soldier's Memorial statuary group, are
fine examples of hammered and built bronze, carried out by the Wunderlich
Branch, at Perth, W.A.

7 °

This statuary group, which surmounts the Perth Office of the Australian
Mutual Provident Society, is a striking example of the skill of the metal¬
worker, In the carrying out of such work, the figures are firstly modelled in
plastic clay, and reproduced in plaster. From the latter, plaster dies are made,
and then cast in zinc, so that a stamping in sheet bronze can be prepared for
each part. Finally, the stamped parts — in this case numbering hundreds —
are carefully rivetted and brazed together, a task that occupies many weeks.
The group illustrated above was produced, in its entirety, at the Wunderlich

Works in Perth.

y ■ ig/ilNiu* ^•’n^ii’lv'ATli 1
w Kni.cai.^.a !?.&&. t

MAGYAR LANE

Size : ift. 8ins. by 2ft. iojins.

\ m&S nv?s.
i rw rttHb h&
•taa anna© nrrm

TO THE GLORY OF COD
AND IN MEMORY OF
THE 113 GALLANT
" JEWISH SOLDIERS
FROM N.S W.
WHO FELL IN THE
GREAT WAR
1914-1919

•• vnp wif-V

OCTOBER 1922
_ TISHW5653

Size : 2ft. by 5ft.

Cast, wrought and engraved metals are shown here in happy combination.
To the left is a cast, engraved and built bronze tablet, above which is an
engraved bronze plate with hammered bronze laurel-wreath surround. To the
right is an oxidised brass tablet, with cast brass surround, and applied,
hand-wrought lettering of nickel-silver.

Size : Approx. 8ft. by ioft.

This memorial tablet, of cast bronze and polished marble, erected by the
people of Boulder City, Western Australia, in honour of citizens who served
in the Great War, is an outstanding Australian example of memorial design
and craftsmanship. A brass tablet, bearing the names of the soldier-citizens,
was finally inserted in the central bronze frame.

Size : gft. 6ins. by 6ft.

A tablet of polished blackwood, with engraved nameplates framed with
bronze mouldings.

Size : ioft. 6ins. by 6ft. 5ms.

This tablet is of hammered and built bronze, with nameplates of engraved

brass, oxidised.

» tfMwmrn

is ..„

Names of those who served with the new Zealand expeditionary forces

IN THE CREAT EUROPEAN WAR •

itOUNWLiOR^HlSLOP.THDMAS.C.A.

TOWN XITRKSTJEPU JIT^SDUCITORS JEPI CITY TREASURERS DEPX CITY -RESERVES OEPI

F.1RE^Tnj3WJE«S

IAMWAYfi»«jtCTRli;a.1T;HT<NC .OEPATTTHENT

Size : 4ft. 71'ns. by 7ft. 3iins.

An example of the combination of cast bronze surround, hand-wrought
lettering and engraved name tablets, with background of heavy sheet bronze,
and mounting of polished timber.

At left : Memorial Plaque. At right : Emblematic Plaque ; modelled to
architects' designs, and finally cast in bronze ; finished oxidised.

Business nameplate of hammered and built bronze, with cast bronze surround.

Nameplate of plain design, with lettering and surround of cast bronze.

The examples illustrated above are representative of the wide range of light
fittings, to architects' special designs, that have been manufactured at the
Wunderlich metal-working plants. On the left is shown a bracket, approxi¬
mately 8ft. 6in. high, built up of hammered and wrought bronze, secured to
an iron core. Another example of a Wunderlich light bracket is pictured on
page 62, gracing the entrance to the Public Trust Office, Napier. The light
bowls shown above were made for city buildings, where the quantity needed
justified the extra expense which special designs involve.

Altar Gates and other Ecclesiastical Fittings are amongst the finest of the
products of the Wunderlich Metal-working Craftsmen.

The Altar Gates illustrated were built up, to special design, from metal tubing,
castings, and stamped and pressed metal ornament.

Tip-up Wash Basin, of polished nickel-silver, as supplied to the
Railway Departments of the various Australian States.

Wash Basin, of stamped and built copper, silver-plated inside,
with electro-bronze exterior. The wash bowl and container are
notable examples of deep embossing by drop hammers. Many
hundreds of these basins have been manufactured to the order of
the Railway Department of New South Wales.

Menzies' Hotel, Melbourne, showing the Wunderlich ceiling and fascia to awning*

THE METAL-FRAMED
SHOPFRONT

HOPFRONT fitting, with its attendant manufacturing pro¬
cesses, is an industry that possesses no vast background of
historic precedent, since the display window only originated
in the 12th century, when glass came into general use in
England* Its development to the present advanced stage
of efficiency has been stimulated by two factors — firstly, the restricted
width of shop-frontages, due to soaring city land values ; and secondly,
the greatly multiplied requirements of merchandise display — which have
created the need for carefully planned show-windows, offering a maximum
of unobstructed display area* The expert shopfront fitter, in evolving a
solution to the problem, has been favoured by the advent of the rolled
steel joist, which usually relieves the windows of any heavy structural
responsibility, and by the production of plate glass in expansive sizes,
involving only a minimum of glazing-bar support*

DRAWN METAL MOULDINGS *

In the up-to-date treatment, the essential unit is the drawn metal
moulding, of which numerous stock profiles, suitable for the sills, tran-
somes, mullions, stiles, etc*, of show windows and cases, are available for
incorporation in either the simple or the complicated shopfront design.
They are obtainable in brass, copper, nickel silver and gilding metal, with
either polished or oxidised finish* Generally, the mouldings are of diminu¬
tive profile, sufficiently rigid to hold the glass in a firm grip, but quite a
contrast to the old-fashioned heavy wooden sections which obstructed
a clear view of the window display*

PROCESS OF MANUFACTURE *

The process of manufacture is interesting, and simple to follow* A
wooden “ core ” of precise section is u milled,” and on to this a strip of
metal, of a width necessary to provide the right amount of cover, is clinched
by “ drawing ” through a steel die. In this operation, the metal assumes
the profile of the wooden moulding, and is held tightly to it by the pressing
of the edges into the timber. Finally, the moulding is polished on power
driven buffs*

SHOPFRONT FITTING .

The assembling of the drawn mouldings into “ frames/' which con¬
stitute the setting for the glass window of the shopfront, is attended to
by a staff of specialists, termed Shopfront Fitters, who are versed in the
fabrication and working of both metal and wood. Up-to-date machinery
for various operations in joinery, such as planing, morticing and tenoning,
which enter largely into the daily work of the craftsmen, is installed in
the Shopfront Department.

THE INDUSTRY TO-DAY .

The launching of this industry came about in July, 1914, with the
purchase of the business of John Hughes Ltd., of Redfern, N.S.W. It
has since extended to the various Wunderlich Branches, each of which
possesses a complete plant for the * 4 drawing ” of mouldings and the
mechanical operations relating to joinery, with the necessary staff for the
fitting and installation of shopfront treatments. An adjunct to this work
is the manufacture of showcases, shelving, fitments, etc., for shops and
stores.

SOME COMPLETED TREATMENTS.

The most important contract completed to date is the re-modelled
treatment to the entire display frontage of Anthony Hordern & Sons
Ltd., Sydney. A series of show windows, alternated with showcases and
an occasional entrance or cartway, forms a continuous shopfront for a
distance of 745 lineal feet in Pitt, Goulburn and George Streets. An
additional display space of 102 lineal feet has been gained by showcase
installations in the entrances.

Features of the treatment are the wrought bronze column clusters
at the doorways, and the convex glass showcases with semi-hemispherical
tops, bearing bronze trade-mark replicas (an oak tree) on a background
of blue enamel.

Other extensive works are the shopfront installations to Queen Vic¬
toria Markets, Sydney ; the Economic Stores and Bon Marche Emporium,
Perth ; and the premises of the Temperance and General Mutual Life
Assurance Society Ltd., Brisbane.

Milling Wooden Cores.

Metal Polishing.

The Shopfront Department is equipped with up-to-date machinery, for
various operations in joinery.

Drawn Metal Mouldings are here assembled into Frames, which constitute
the setting for the plate glass in the modern shop-front.

Wunderlich Shop-fronts and awning ceilings to Queen Victoria Markets,
Sydney* The top view shows the Druitt Street corner, while the lower
illustrations feature the George Street elevation.

Hammered Metal treatment to entrance and pier of Beard Watson Ltd/s premises,

George Street, Sydney.

In addition to the entrance treatment, in bronze, the shell-pattern frieze and cornice
above shopfront, are of stamped and built zinc.

The Wunderlich Shop-front Treatment to the Emporium of Anthony Hordern & Sons. Ltd. In the top view are shown
the Goulburn and Pitt Street elevations ; and below, the George and Goulburn Street, frontages.

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Shopfronts to Padbury Buildings, Forest Place, Perth.

A complete shopfront installation to the Economic Stores, Perth*

Bon Marche Stores, Perth, showing the Wunderlich Shopfront Treatment,

must®

T. & G. Mutual Assurance Co.'s Building, Brisbane, showing bronze
treatment to shopfront and around piers.

A typical glass counter showcase,
with polished wood base.

9 :

Another showcase, introducing
hinged doors and enriched bronze
base, set on cabriole legs*

The Wunderlich Durabestos Works at Cabarita, on the Parramatta River, near Sydney.

DURABESTOS (ASBESTOS-CEMENT)
BUILDING SHEETS

URABESTOS, a modern Wunderlich product, is composed
of two fire and water resisting materials, asbestos-fibre and
Portland cement, both of which have been known, from
the earliest times, as amongst the most refractory of sub¬
stances. Asbestos, or mineral flax, as it is often called,
3 peculiarity of crystallising in fibres instead of in ordinary
crystals, as is usual with mineral substances, has remained exposed to
the elements for countless centuries, without deterioration. Its incom¬
bustible qualities were recognised by the Egyptians and, later, the Venetians,
who spun it into fireproof cloth. But comparatively little use was made
of the material until modern invention showed how to turn to decided
advantage its valuable and exclusive properties.

INDUSTRY ESTABLISHED IN 1917.

The scientific combination of asbestos-fibre and Portland cement,
to produce a fireproof and indestructible building sheeting, was perfected
during the present century. Nothing was done towards establishing a
manufacturing plant in this country until after the outbreak of the world
war, when it was recognised that, with the asbestos deposits and cement
at hand locally, conditions were favourable for embarking on the new
industry. A factory site was chosen at Cabarita, on the Parramatta River,
the latest machinery was installed, and by 1917 the new works were pro¬
ducing a material which at once proved acceptable to architects and
builders.

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES .

In the process of manufacture, the asbestos-fibre and cement are
placed in huge vats and there mixed until a proper consistency is reached,
when a valve is mechanically released and the mixture falls into another
vat — the agitator. This keeps the compound on the move until eventually
it passes out on to a wide and endless belt, along which it travels slowly,
the while all surplus water is extracted by a vacuum process. Coming
to a steel cylinder, the semi-plastic mixture is picked up off the belt and
revolves around the drum in layer after layer, until a quantity is homo-

geneously collected, sufficient to form a sheet of pre-determined size and
thickness. At this stage, the ring of a bell announces, with mechanical
accuracy, that the correct amount has been accumulated on the drum.
An operator, with a pointed instrument, at once makes a quick cut across
the accumulated material, which is then unwound from the drum.

AN EXCLUSIVE PROCESS .

Being now of a consistency somewhat resembling rubber, permitting
of handling with safety, it is spread out flat on a steel plate, which is placed
on a truck. This operation is repeated, one plate after another, with its
contents, being piled on the truck, until a sufficient quantity is assembled,
when the stack is wheeled under an immense hydraulic press. In this
press, the asbestos-cement is subjected to hydraulic compression, an
exclusive Wunderlich process, which produces that extreme density and
smoothness of surface particularly noticeable in the finished Durabestos
product. After this treatment, the sheets are trimmed to correct sizes,
then stacked to mature, under careful control, over a period of several
weeks.

PRODUCTION TO-DAY .

The works site at Cabarita has an area of about five acres, with river
frontage and wharf, providing easy access for vessels carrying supplies of
raw material or consignments of the manufactured sheets. As the machinery
employed is extensive, and of an exclusive character, the capital outlay
in the industry is particularly heavy. Every year, thousands of tons of
asbestos-fibre and Portland cement are converted into Durabestos Sheets,
the output of which attains a total of many millions of square feet per
annum. Towards the end of 1926, an offshoot was established at Sun¬
shine, near Melbourne, to cater for the requirements of the Southern
States, and manufacturing has commenced there.

THE STANDARD PRODUCT .

The standard product is a sheet of rock-like nature, in colour and
appearance resembling set cement. It is available in two nominal thick¬
nesses, viz., 5~32nds of an inch (suitable for the lining of interior walls
and ceilings), and 3~i6ths of an inch (for exterior walls and partitions).
Sheets of greater thicknesses are made to order, for special purposes.
Numerous stock sizes are on hand, ranging from 3 feet to 10 feet long,
by widths of 3 feet and 4 feet. Despite its great rigidity, the material
is readily pierced by a blunt pointed nail, and can be sawn much in the
same manner as timber, or severed like glass after an incision has been
made with a blunt chisel drawn along a straight edge.

A Peep at the Entrance to the Office and Works at Cabarita, showing the Lawns and

Flower Beds.

A Concrete Road, bordered by Garden Plots, leads into the Durabestos Works.

Asbestos Fibre and Portland Cement are carried by Electric Hoists, to the Upper Floors.

From this Floor, the Fibre and Cement are fed through a Chute into a Mixing Vat below.

Falling into this Vat, the materials are mixed to the right consistency.

A wide and endless belt carries the mixture to a steel cylinder, or “ drum.”

When sufficient of the mixture has collected on the drum, it is unwound and placed

on a steel plate.

A truck of steel plates, with their contents, is wheeled under the press, and submitted

to hydraulic compression.

ICO

Guillotines then trim the compressed sheets, to standard sizes.

The trimmed sheets remain in stacks for several weeks, to thoroughly mature.

IOI

An Electric Traveller simplifies the loading of sheets.

Crates for delivery by steamer are loaded on to trucks and carried along a steel track
from the Works to the Jetty.

102

■■■■m(

nirwr fT '~iTr i fT' ir ^ ^wi r pwn i iw f ri^iwiw | ' ' iiiii> i iww | iiwi i i ' i<w iiii ii ii M i ifi iMWiwii»iwHgiW!lw , iiJii

This cottage home has exterior walls of Durabestos.

Another suburban home, lined with Durabestos.

A typical example of the use of Durabestos Sheets — a building in Papua.

103

Mediaeval half-timber work here finds its modern prototype, in a treatment achieved
with Durabestos and wooden fillets.

A typical ceiling of Durabestos, panelled with wooden fillets.

104

Durabestos Sheets are here used for Walls and Ceilings*

Millions of square feet of Durabestos have been used to line Interiors,

105

Partitions, as well as ceilings, are here panelled with Durabestos.

City building construction finds a ready use for Durabestos.
106

TERRA COTTA
ROOFING
TILES

107

m-o

'C c
u D

3 2

bo
in J*

o> <u

h >

u a

< P<

T 3

108

TERRA COTTA ROOFING

TILES

UST at what stage in history the clay-worker applied his
knowledge to the making of Terra Cotta Roofing Tiles it
is impossible to say. Most parts of the world have yielded
fragmentary specimens, of primitive manufacture, disclosing

_much variety of design ; and there is evidence that the

inhabitants of Egypt, Babylon and Assyria were familiar with the processes
of forming and burning clay tiles. What are probably the earliest examples
of well-preserved tiles in existence to-day were unearthed from the ruins
of the Temple of Hera, at Olympia, dating about 800 b.c. The Romans
developed tile making into an industry of considerable importance, which
extended to other countries as conquest followed conquest. In mediaeval
times tiles were in general use, but only began to be manufactured on a
large scale with the discovery of the steam engine.

LOCAL MANUFACTURE COMMENCED IN 1916.

Little was done in Australia in regard to their manufacture prior to the
war. Importations ceased soon after its outbreak. Some years previously
the Company foresaw the possibility of a European war, and installed
experimental plants in Sydney and Melbourne, and purchased clay lands.
Exhaustive tests were made, and when the necessity arose it was only a
matter of a few months before buildings were erected and machinery
installed on sites at Rosehill and Brunswick (Melbourne). Thus, by the
middle of 1916, Tileries at both places were producing terra cotta tiles
at the rate of several millions per annum.

TILE PRESSING AND DRYING .

The clay used for tile making at Rosehill is won from a pit that has
been sampled and tested to a depth of 50 feet, the whole being proved
of excellent quality. A u fall ” of clay from the face is brought to the clay¬
preparing department by an endless haulage system, and is ground while
in a moist condition, thus acquiring an extremely dense nature. Passing
through the mixer into the pugging machine, it emerges from the latter
as a continuous, homogeneous mass, which travels along rollers to a cutting
device, where it is cut automatically into “ bats ” of uniform shape. These

109

pass along a belt-conveyor to the tile presses, where each bat, as it arrives,
is shaped and consolidated under considerable pressure, between two
dies, the surplus water being eliminated during this process. The formed
tiles are then placed on trays and hoisted on an endless elevator to one
of the several drying floors. Here the “ green ” (unburnt) tiles are stored
on racks, to remain, under close observation and carefully controlled
conditions, for a period averaging about 14 days.

THE PROCESS OF BURNING .

When sufficiently rigid for safe handling, the tiles are trucked to
the kilns and stacked or u set ** in tiers, after which the entrance to the
kiln is sealed and the fires are set going. Day and night the tiles are sub¬
jected to a gradual burning process, scientifically controlled by pyrometers,
and carried out in careful stages so that all free moisture may be removed
before the temperature is raised to the level which produces the steel-hard
tile. Then, after slow cooling and annealing, the tiles are “ dragged ”
and graded into stacks, any faulty product being rejected.

THE INDUSTRY TO-DAY.

For the daily output at Rosehill, about 80 tons of clay are needed —
a supply that is assured for many years to come, as the Wunderlich property
comprises over 100 acres, most of which is still virgin country. Outside
of New South Wales, the demand for tiles is catered for by extensive
plants at Brunswick, Victoria; Edwardstown, South Australia; and
Perth, Western Australia. The standard product is termed the Marseilles
pattern, previously made known by Wunderlich importations from the
Mediterranean French city for many years preceding the war. Other
patterns are manufactured as called for, including picturesque “ Mission/'
Spanish, and shingle tiles. Besides the well-known shades of red, there
are now available brindle, buff, chocolate shades, blended colours and full
and semi-glazed effects.

IIO

The lawns and flower plots are a pleasing feature of Rosehill Works.

Equipped for a yearly output of many millions of tiles, the Rosehill Works are a centre

of activity, day and night.

Clay from the pit is ground while in a moist condition.

11 2

The ground clay is fed automatically into the mixing machines, through which it passes

into pugging machines.

Dies for the Tile Presses are made here, in plaster.

M HMMMMWMHI ;

Travelling along belt conveyors, from the pugging machines, the wet clay bats are
formed into tiles on these presses.

The clay tiles from the presses are stored on racks, to dry.

114

When dry, the Tiles are 44 set ” in a kiln ; the entrance is sealed, and 44 burning
commences under 44 pyrometer ” control.

Day and night the kiln fires are kept going, until 44 burning ” is complete.

ii5

When taken from the kilns, the tiles are sorted and tested.

The Rosehill Works are handy to rail, road and steamer.
116

O.G. Finial, for gable
end.

Ball Top Finial, for
2 hips and ridge.

Ram's Horn Finial,
for gable end.

View of the top and reverse
sides of a Marseilles pattern tile.

Left :

Terra Cotta Garden Vase.
Standard colours :| Red,
chocolate and stoney grey.

Right :

Chimney pot, with hood.

Typical Products of the Wunderlich Tileries.

The Roofing Tiles are available in shades of red, chocolate, buff, brindle, and blended colours.

One of the many returned soldiers' homes in Sydney, roofed with Wunderlich Red Tiles.

119

'.ost of the modern homes in the suburbs of the capital cities of the Commonwealth are roofed with
Larseilles pattern Terra Cotta Tiles, shades of red predominating. Millions of these tiles are produced
annually at the Wunderlich plants in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

120

As an outcome of prolonged experimenting at the Wunderlich Tileries, there is now available a range of
colours that was undreamt of before local manufacture commenced in earnest* Novel effects can be obtained
by a judicious intermingling of these colours, as shown above.

I 21

colour-interest in the home exterior.

122

Eesides developing new colours in the roof, the Wunderlich Tileries have made available
various alternative types of roofing tiles, such as shingle, Spanish and Mission. The latter>
used in blended colours on a Melbourne home, is illustrated above.

123

ARCHITECTURAL TERRA COTTA

ERRA COTTA — literally ** burnt earth ” — is a material
that is as old as civilisation* The great quantity of Terra
Cotta Tablets from ancient Babylon, with records in cunei¬
form writing prove how general was their use* The won¬
derful terra cotta vases and figurines of Ancient Greece
show the perfection of workmanship attained in these early days* Many
examples of glazed terra cotta for the ornamentation of the interior and
exterior of buildings have come from excavations in Mesopotamia* It is
only necessary to mention the celebrated “ Archer ” frieze from the throne
room of Darius ; the Lion Frieze that graced the Pylons of Artaxerxe's
Palace in Susa (both in the Louvre), and the various decorated enamelled
bricks from Khorsabad and elsewhere, in the British Museum. In
mediaeval times the art lay dormant until it was revived in Italy by Della
Robbia.

TERRA COTTA IN MODERN CONSTRUCTION *

Modern construction finds a much more extensive use for the material
than its ancient votaries conceived* With the advent of reinforced con¬
crete construction, entire facades of buildings are now clothed with Terra
Cotta, warranting the assumption that a true Renaissance of ceramic
architecture is taking place to-day*

CLAY-WORKING PROCESSES *

In its simplest state, Architectural Terra Cotta may be described as
blocks of burned clay, usually about four inches thick, left hollow at the
back, so that each block actually comprises face, horizontal sides and ends,
with an occasional vertical rib for stiffening purposes* When the designs
for a Terra Cotta facade are received from the architect, a staff of drafts¬
men sets to work on the preparation of shop drawings to “ shrinkage ”
scale, which determine the jointing, construction and position of each
specific block of Terra Cotta* Clay models are then prepared for all
ornamental features, and plaster moulds for each separate size of block.
Into these moulds the prepared clay is pressed until it takes the desired
shape, when it is lifted out and set aside to dry* Numerous repetitive
pieces can be pressed from the same mould*

The clay used for the purpose is the result of careful selection and
testing, to determine the correct chemical and mechanical properties. In

124

its semi-plastic state, as taken from the mould, it is readily re-touched
and pointed up by hand to the degree of crispness and feeling character¬
ising the original model*

BURNING AND FINISHING *

When the blocks are dry, the face that will eventually be exposed to
the weather receives a coating of glaze to give the colour decided upon ;
and the ware, ready for “ firing ” is set in the kiln* Subjected to intense
heat, the Terra Cotta body becomes almost flint-hard, the surface colour
develops, and the glaze vitrifies* Finally, after careful cooling, the blocks
are “ drawn ” from the kiln, taken to the fitting shop, and there assembled,
fitted and inspected, each piece bearing an identification mark indicating
its ultimate position on the building*

THE INDUSTRY TO-DAY *

The parent works for the manufacture of Architectural Terra Cotta
are situated at Rosehill, near Sydney, where the highly specialised ac¬
tivities monopolise about eight acres* Towards the end of 1926 Branch
Works were established at Sunshine, near Melbourne, and they are now
producing*

VARIETY OF TREATMENT *

As the illustrations on succeeding pages of this publication indicate,
the general use of Architectural Terra Cotta is as a “ facing ” for buildings,
but it may be employed, also, to embellish a facade of brick, stone or
other standard material; or as a decorative element in the treatment of
interiors* There are available the natural burned-clay finishes; also
glazed effects, of either dull-matt or lustrous appearance. The scope for
colour treatment is almost unlimited, embracing shades of red, chocolate,
buff, grey ; and the matt-glaze palette, ranging from milky white and
cream tints to brilliant yellows, warm browns and bronze ; from emerald
to dark greens ; and from delicate lavenders to bright or deep blues*
Also, there are mixed colours, harmonising closely with natural geological
formations* During the period of about two years that the industry has
been in existence in Australia, a representative range of these colours
and finishes has been reproduced in the work carried out*

SOME WORKS NOT ILLUSTRATED *

In addition to the treatments herein illustrated, numerous contracts
have been undertaken, some of them only partially completed at the
present date* They include :—

Dangar Gedye & Co* Ltd. (Malloch House), Sydney* H. E. Budden,

Terra Cotta to Ground Floor. Architect.

125

Berkeley Court, Bondi, Sydney.
Terra Cotta to Ground Floor.

E. P. Nunn,
Architect.

Mark Foy's Emporium, Sydney.

Terra Cotta Cornices, Columns and Trim.

J. & N. Tait's Building, Melbourne.

Terra Cotta to First Floor.

H. E. Ross & Rowe,
Architects.

R. M. King,
Architect.

National Bank of Australasia Ltd., Geelong.
Terra Cotta to Portion of Facade.

H. W. & F. B. Tompkins,
Architects.

Claridge House, Adelaide.
Terra Cotta Trim.

Philip R. Claridge,
Architect.

City Railway, Sydney (Underground Stations). Dr. J. J. C. Bradfield,

Terra Cotta Arches.

Christian Brothers' College, Strathfield.
Terra Cotta Columns, Arches, etc.

Matthews, Thompson & Co. Ltd., Sydney.
Terra Cotta Roundels.

Chief Engineer.

Hennessy, Hennessy, Keesing <Sc Co.,
Architects.

Francis J. Hood,
Architect.

Sir Thomas Henley, Drummoyne, Sydney.
Terra Cotta Panels.

Geo. Durrell,
Architect.

F. Albert, Esq., Elizabeth Bay, Sydney.
Terra Cotta Columns and Arches.

H. Neville Hampson,
Architect.

R. C. Church, Clifton Gardens, Sydney.
Terra Cotta Columns, Trim, etc.

E. A. Scott & Green,
Architects.

W. G. Conley, Darling Point, Sydney.
Terra Cotta Window Boxes.

Spain & Cosh,
Architects.

Doery & Tilley, Melbourne.

Terra Cotta Entrance Doorway.

Mclvor Hotel, Maryborough, Vic.
Architrave to Entrance Doorway.

Fire Station, South Brisbane.

Terra Cotta Panels.

Bates & Smart,
Architects.

E. J. Peck,
Architect.

W. J. Ewart,
Govt. Architect.

MAXWELL.

ARCHIMEDES

Busts of famous scientists, modelled by Rayner Hoff,
for Professor Leslie Wilkinson, and executed in Wunder¬
lich Terra Cotta — Sandstone Finish.

126

As this view shows, the manufacture of Architectural Terra Cotta has developed into

an extensive industry

In the right foreground is the experimental kiln, and, to the rear, the additional kilns
constructed during the past three years.

127

Clay for Terra Cotta manufacture is stored in the open, and allowed to “ weather/'

The clay is finely ground and mixed with 44 grog/' consisting of burnt earthenware,

broken to fine particles.

128

Drawings are pre¬
pared, showing the
size and position of
each block of Terra
Cotta that the treat¬
ment in hand neces¬
sitates. Ornamental
features are then
modelled in clay
(centre illustration ).
Finally, a plaster
mould is made (see
illustration below)
for each size of
Terra Cotta block
involved.

129

Numerous semi-plastic clay blocks can be pressed from the same plaster mould,

Whilst sodden, the pressed clay block is re-touched by hand
130

t r*

The clay blocks are carefully set in kilns and “ baked ” for several days.

Kiln fires are kept going continuously, at scientifically controlled temperatures

132

r~™:.v.'

Taken from the kiln to the fitting shed, the burnt clay blocks are checked and “ fitted . 1

133

134

Each block of Terra Cotta is made for a specific position on a building, and bears a mark indicating its final location.

H. E. Ross and Rowe, Architects . Concrete Constructions Ltd., Contractors .

Government Savings Bank of N.S.W., Martin Place, Sydney.

The Wunderlich ceramic finish to this huge structure consists of small units
which produce the effect of a mosaic. Pilasters, Columns and entablature
will receive this ceramic finish, which involves the manufacture of innumerable
small blocks, treated on the exposed face with a matt glaze of a delicate

shade of pink.

135

Barlow and Hawkins, Architects. Bolton and Aitken, Contractors.

Temple Court, Collins Street, Melbourne.

From the first floor level to the parapet cornice this imposing building is faced
with Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta, finished cream matt glaze,
lightly speckled. Contrasting with the Terra Cotta is the Wunderlich wrought
bronze treatment to the panels under bay windows and the cornice sur¬
mounting the building.

136

Barlow and Hawkins, Architects. Simmie and Co. Pty. Ltd., Contractors.

Royal Exchange Assurance Offices, Queen Street, Melbourne.

Treated to the full extent of nine stories above the granite base, this facade
is a classic in Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta, the finish being a cream
glaze with umber coloured trim. The architects for the work have excelled
in their endeavours to give distinction to this towering edifice on a small

frontage.

137

S. H . Buchanan, Architect . Eastment and Clark, Contractors *

Manufacturers’ House, O’Connell Street, Sydney

From the sandstone base to the full height of the seven upper floors, the
facing is of Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta of a deep biscuit shade,
with bronze coloured matt glaze spandrels under windows. A Wunderlich
wrought zinc cornice surmounts the building.

138

H. A . Norris, Architect . F . £. Shillabeer and Sons, Contractors .

Nicholas Building, Melbourne

From the pavement level to the full height of the building, the facing of
both elevations is of Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta, grey granite

(matt) finish.

139

E . A. Scott and Green, Architects .

Max Cooper, Contractor .

Sun Insurance Office, Bridge Street, Sydney

The facing of the Ground and First Floors (above plinth) is Wunderlich
Architectural Terra Cotta, glazed finish, resembling dark brown granite.
The incised- lettering of the frieze is glazed golden yellow.

140

BANKfcRSiTRADERS

J 0KLMISLS

I INSURANCE C?H

I NiMtk Mltnvs

Peck and Kemter, Architects. Clements, Langford Pty. Ltd., Contractors

Bankers & Traders Building, Melbourne.

Architectural Terra Cotta, matt glazed, of green and black mottled appearance,
provides the exterior finish to this structure.

141

F L. and K. Klingender, Architects. Simmie and Co. Pty. Ltd., Contractors.

Shopfront, Pauline et Cie, Melbourne.

A colour scheme of delicate lavender, relieved by the cream glaze of the
frieze panels, contributes to the impression of dignified restraint that pervades
this Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta treatment to a remodelled shop¬
front. There is a most pronounced business value in the new opportunities
which Terra Cotta provides for unique and impressive effects in store-front

design.

142

Hennessy, Hennessy, Keesing and Co., Architects.

Kell and Rigby, Contractors.

Chapel for the Christian Brothers’ Novitiate, Strathfield.

This view illustrates the ornamental features in Wunderlich Architectural
Terra Cotta to a brick structure. Entrance Columns and Archivolt, Wheel
Window, Columns to Clerestory Lights and Campanile, Cartouche and
Lions' Heads are all executed in Terra Cotta, resembling in texture Sydney
sandstone, although of a somewhat lighter colour.

143

■H9H

F. H . B. Wilton, Architect. Beat Bros. Ltd., Contractors .

Dymock’s Book Arcade, George Street, Sydney.

An artistic rendering of the Elevator Vestibule, to be treated with Wunderlich
Architectural Terra Cotta, mottled grey on cream coloured background,
lustrous glaze finish.

144

F. H. B. Wilton, Architect.

Beat Bros. Ltd.., Contractors.

Dymock's Book Arcade, George Street, Sydney.

The entire facing to the George Street elevation and returns of this impressive
structure will be matt glazed Architectural Terra Cotta, resembling dark

grey granite.

145

Metters Building, Adelaide.

Bursary Board Building, Hobart.
146

Dept. of Works and Railways, Architects. G. Hogden, Contractor.

William Street Post Office, Sydney*

Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta, of sand-finish cream matt glaze, black
speckled, is the medium employed for the facing of the entire facade of
this structure. The name panel is achieved with incised lettering of a light

brown colour.

Top Illustration, Page 146.

The entire facade of Metters Building, Adelaide, is faced with Wunderlich
Architectural Terra Cotta, finished cream matt glaze, with lettering of dark

green glaze.

Woods , Bagot, Jory and /• King & Son,

Laybourne Smith, Architects. Contractors.

Bottom Illustration, Page 146.

Now in the final stages of completion, the Bursary Board Building, Hobart,
is faced with Matt Glazed Wunderlich Architectural Terra Cotta, similar
in appearance to grey granite.

Glaskin and Ricards, Architects. W. Cooper & Sons, Contractors .

147

111*18

Gawler and Drummond, Architects. Christiani and Nielsen, Contractors.

Business Premises for Duerdin and Sainsbury Ltd.

View of the Entrance Treatment, comprising glazed wall tiles and Wunderlich
Architectural Terra Cotta, to a concrete structure. The Lintel, Pediment
Cornice, Architrave, Shield Ornament and Rosettes were executed in Glazed
Terra Cotta of a spotted dull sap-green shade, the lettering being treated in
golden yellow glaze.

148

THE

ORGANISATION

TO-DAT

149

MANAGING DIRECTORS OF WUNDERLICH LIMITED
AND FOUNDERS OF THE WUNDERLICH INDUSTRIES

150

THE MANAGING DIRECTORS

INCE the formation of Wunderlich Limited, in 1908, the
brothers Wunderlich — Ernest, Alfred and Dr. Otto — have
held office uninterruptedly as Managing Directors. In
this capacity they have brought to the conduct of the
Company's affairs a wide knowledge and experience,
gained in the pioneering stages of the business they founded and developed.
Under their control the Company has grown into a nation-wide organisa¬
tion, with assets valued at three-quarters of a million sterling, equal to
five times the figure that appeared in the first Balance Sheet of the present
concern.

“To get this business and its remarkable growth into the right focus ,''
says the Sydney “ Bulletin's " financial monthly of May, 1927, “ you
must first know the Wunderlichs . They are not mere money-spinners ; they
are an unusual combination who apply art and idealism to a business basis
of metal ceilings , shopfronts , showcases , tiles, architectural terra cotta and
other embellishments that furnish or ornament the facades , roofs and in¬
teriors of buildings . One of the brothers was an importer whose hobbies are
astronomy and music ; one a doctor with a leaning to literature ; the third ,
a musician too , trained for commercial life . The three brothers , Ernest ,
Otto and Alfred , born in London during the 'fifties and 'sixties of last century ,
and educated there and in Switzerland , set out in life with distinctly different
aims , but came together and have built up in Australia a very successful
manufacturing business for which none of them had any special training .

ERNEST WUNDERLICH .

“ Of the three brothers , Ernest came to Sydney in 1885, and set up as
an agent for some European manufacturers ; and , though from that moment
he has been in the collar , he has found time to write much music , and has
published books of song and pianoforte studies ; with this he combines an
affection for astronomy — he is a councillor of the British Astronomical
Association and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society . A small but
complete observatory which he built at Port Hacking was handed over in
trust to the State three years ago .

ALFRED WUNDERLICH.

“ Alfred joined Ernest in 1886* He strengthened the business on the
financial side t devoting his spare time to the interests of Australian trade
and the Philharmonic Society. He sat in the presidential chair of the As¬
sociated Chamber of Manufacturers in 1911 and 1912, was President and
for many years a Councillor of the N.S.W. Chamber, was a member of the
controlling body of the French Chamber of Commerce, and is on the Board
of Meggitt'Sy the Federal Match Co., and the Atlas Insurance Co.

DR. O. WUNDERLICH.

“ Otto was a doctor with a practice in London, who, besides his pro¬
fessional degrees, had graduated in Arts. In 1900 he came to Australia
on a visit to his brothers. Impressed with their work and their ideals, he
decided to throw in his lot with them. He brought a keen and analytical
mind to bear on the problems of the young industry, and soon set to work
to standardise the processes of manufacture, evolve more exact systems of
costing, improve the selling organisation, and lay foundations for future
developments. To these must be added his far-sighted profit-sharing scheme,
whereby every employee may become a partner and so have a tangible interest
in the business. Naturally, the medical side of factory life did not escape
his attention either, and many improvements for the health and betterment
of the staff have been introduced.”

152

The Board Room at Head Office, Redfern.

A View of the Directors' Room, Redfern Office.

153

MANAGERIAL GROUP AT HEAD OFFICE.

154

HEAD OFFICE

HE Registered Office of the Company is situated at Baptist
Street, Redfern, near the corner of Cleveland and Crown
Streets, on a site adjoining the Metal Ceiling Works. From
this centre, the Managing Directors administer the numerous
activities of the business. In addition, there is a Managerial
Group, consisting of the Secretary and other executive officers of long
experience in the Company's service, for the co-ordination of effort in
the Works, Sales and Accounts Sections.

The general organisation consists of an accountancy branch, for the
collation of statistics and figures relating to the Branches and Industries,
the recording of transactions in the Company's Shares, and the control
of properties ; an Export Department, which handles an extensive trade
with New Zealand, the South Sea Islands and the East; a Publicity
Department, for the preparation of catalogues, literature and press ad¬
vertisements devoted to Wunderlich products; and an Architectural
section, which undertakes the designing and construction of alterations
and additions to buildings and plant.

The present Office Block, erected in 1908 and since then considerably
extended, is a two-storey building, roomy, well lighted and comfortably
appointed. Alongside is a spacious garage, housing the firm's Sydney
fleet of motor cars and lorries, and equipped with machine tools for the
efficient carrying out of repairs.

Left :

S. G. Evans,
Chief Architect.

Right :

W. J. Hanson,
Publicity.

155

The Head Office and Sydney Showrooms, Baptist Street, Redfern, Sydney

Motor cars employed in the Administrative and Sales Sections of the business
are housed in the Garage adjoining the Office.

156

Export and Accounts Departments, Head Office, Redfern.

Finance and Statistics Section, Redfern Office.

157

A corner of the Architectural Department at Redfern, where alterations or
additions to Wunderlich Buildings or plant are designed.

An electrically operated Printing Machine, for duplicating drawings.

158

SYDNEY BRANCH

NTIRELY distinct from the Head Office administration at
Baptist Street, Redfern, although located in the same Office
Block, the Branch in Sydney is an organisation on similar
lines to those in other States. It caters for the requirements
of architects, contractors and home-builders resident in
New South Wales, and in fulfilment of this virtually absorbs the output
of the Wunderlich manufacturing plants in Sydney.

From the first years of its existence, the Branch has been conspicuously
successful. It has been in the van in exploiting new products, such as
Shopfronts, Durabestos Sheets and Architectural Terra Cotta, and has
built up a regular business, of considerable magnitude, in metalwork for
N.S.W. Railway Carriages.

Several contracts of unprecedented volume have been undertaken
by the Branch since the conclusion of the war period. They include
the supply of millions of Terra Cotta Roofing Tiles for War Service Homes ;
Patent galvanised Roofing, Steel Siding and Vent Cowls to over ioo Rail¬
way Carriages ; the re-modelled Shopfront Treatment to the Emporium
of Anthony Hordern & Sons Ltd. ; and the Ceramic Facing, as well as
Zinc and Steel Ceilings to the Head Office of the Government Savings
Bank of New South Wales, Martin Place. Each of these contracts has
attained a value of at least five figures.

The Branch maintains a highly-trained sales force in the city, sub¬
urbs and country, and has established a local representative in Newcastle,
with an office and showroom at the Builders' Exchange, King Street.
Orders entrusted to them are fulfilled direct from stocks at the Works
at Redfern (Metal Ceilings), Cabarita (Durabestos Building Sheets), and
Rosehill (Roofing Tiles). Where clients require materials fixed com¬
plete, the work is carried out by the Branch Staff of tradesmen, experienced
in Metal Ceiling Fixing, Tiling, Architectural Metal Working or Shop¬
front Fitting.

159

W. Jones

Redfern Metal Works

G. Williams,
Ceramic Engineer,
Rosehill A.T.C. Works.

T. E. Woodlands
Local Representative
Newcastle

D. Say

Rosehill Tile Works

PERSONALITIES

SYDNEY BRANCH
Works, Sales
and Accounts

C. H. Hodgkinson
Assistant
Secretary

S. Sangster

Cabarita Durabestos Works

H. Vaughan
Rosehill A.T.C.
Works.

G. H. Moore
Accountant.

Sydney is the headquarters of Wunderlich manufacturing and business
activities, and from this centre have been recruited many of the officers
now holding responsible positions in the Branches in other States. As a
general rule, important posts are occupied by men who have graduated in
the business and risen to the top through their own ability and application.
There is an exception to this in the case of the Architectural Terra Cotta
(abbreviated “A.T.C.”) Works at Rosehill, where the ceramic experts are
men who gained their experience in the Terra Cotta industry in England

and America.

160

Sydney Branch Sales and Country Order Department, Redfern.

A corner of the Sydney Branch Showroom, Baptist Street, Redfern.

The local Showroom at the Builders' Exchange, King Street, Newcastle

162

Garden display of Roofing Tiles at the rear of the Redfern Office.

Portion of the fleet of motor cars for the use of Suburban Representatives,
Sydney Branch Sales Department.

163

164

niE|iiit

inHlHSU

ILL] URIllIRni

A Group of 265 employees at the Roofing Tile and Architectural Terra Cotta Works, Rosehill, Sydney*

SOME DEPARTMENTAL FOREMEN OF LONG SERVICE.

The ten Departmental Foremen in the above Group have been in Wunderlich
employ for a total of 283 years. The length of service ranges, individually,
from 22 to 33 years.

165

iMMi

Aerial views of the Works in Sydney. Top : Redfern Works. Centre :
Rosehill Tile and Terra Cotta Works. Bottom : Cabarita Durabestos Works.

166

MELBOURNE BRANCH

ROM the earliest years of the Wunderlich industries, the
State of Victoria — its Capital City in particular — has
proven a fertile field for Metal Ceilings and Architectural
Metalwork, the business in which was conducted from
Sydney up till 1904, when a Branch Office was opened in
Melbourne. This policy was soon justified by the success of the Branch
in securing an extremely valuable order for copper roofing to the domes
and clock tower of the Flinders Street Railway Station, as well as metal
decorations for various exterior and interior features and Steel Ceilings
throughout the structure.

In 1908, business in Victoria was consolidated by the amalgamation
effected with the Metal Department of W. H. Rocke & Co. Ltd. As an
outcome of this development and the coincident formation of Wunderlich
Limited, a local Board of Directors was created, consisting of the Hon.
W. L. Baillieu, the Hon. Theodore Fink and the late Mr. W. Densham,
all citizens of prominence in the public and business life of the State.
Of the original Board, the Hon. Theodore Fink has held office continu¬
ously until the present day. The other Directors have been succeeded
by Mr. Clive Baillieu and Mr. E. L. Wunderlich.

In common with the Wunderlich business generally, Melbourne
Branch enjoyed a prosperous career until the outbreak of War, when a
set-back occurred through the stoppage of supplies of steel and roofing
tiles from England and France, It was then that the pioneering effoits
to establish the Roofing Tile Industry at Brunswick bore good fruit. A
decision to proceed with the manufacture of tiles had been arrived at in
1913 ; and by 1916, when importations from France were at a standstill,
the Brunswick Tileries were well established, handling an output of one
and a half million tiles per annum.

Within the past twelve months, further expansion of manufacturing
activities has taken place in Melbourne, through the establishment of
works at Sunshine for the production of Architectural Terra Cotta and
Durabestos (asbestos-cement) Sheets. As will be seen from an inspection
of the next few pages of this book, these Works have commenced operations.
Although comparatively new to Australia, the former material has been
favourably received by Melbourne architects, and valuable contracts for
Architectural Terra Cotta “ facings ” have been undertaken by the Branch,

167

THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
WUNDERLICH LIMITED, MELBOURNE.

168

amongst them being the facades of Temple Court, Royal Exchange As¬
surance Office, Nicholas Building, and the Bankers and Traders Insurance
Co/s premises, illustrations of which appear on pages 136, 137, 139 and
141 respectively.

Apart from manufacturing facilities, the Branch possesses a staff of
experts, trained in the Company's employ, for carrying out the installation
of Metal Ceilings, or fixing Special Metalwork, In addition, there is a
staff of tilers who attend to the fixing of Terra Cotta Roofing,

The Office and Showrooms are located at 243 Collins Street, Mel¬
bourne,

R, H, Solly
Sales,

J, Hyslop
Works.

J. V. Nelthorpe
Secretary.

W. Dinnell

Sunshine Durabestos Works.

G. Junck
Works

W. Johnson
Sunshine A.T.C. Works

SOME PERSONALITIES OF
MELBOURNE BRANCH.

169

Melbourne Office and Showrooms, at 243 Collins Street.

Sales Administration and Country Order Departments, Melbourne Branch,

General View of the Showrooms at 243 Collins Street, Melbourne.

171

Exterior View of the Metal Working Department and Store, South Melbourne,

A corner of the Architectural Metal Working Department.
172

The recently established Works at Sunshine, for the manufacture of
Durabestos and Terra Cotta.

Interior View of the Durabestos Works at Sunshine.

Durabestos Sheets at Sunshine Works — stacked to mature.

173

Architectural Terra Cotta Works at Sunshine—erected in 1926.

Some of the first Terra Cotta blocks manufactured at the Sunshine Works.

174

The Wunderlich Tileries at Brunswick, equipped to produce several millions

per annum.

Clay Deposit at Vermont, which provides the raw material for Brunswick Works.

175

ADELAIDE BRANCH

ONG before the opening of a Wunderlich Branch in Adelaide,
a valuable business in Metal Ceilings and Roofing Tiles
had been developed in South Australia, largely through
the able efforts of the local distributors, Harrold, Colton &
Company Limited, and Geo* P* Harris Scarfe & Company
Limited ; the former handling the metal manufactures, and the latter,
Marseilles Tiles* In April, 1910, the arrangements with these merchants
were terminated, by mutual agreement; their stocks were purchased, and
Wunderlich Offices and Showrooms were established at 109-113 Currie
Street, Adelaide*

Throughout the years that have intervened, since this event, con¬
siderable expansion has taken place in Wunderlich activities in the State*
A Workshop for Architectural Metal Working has been added, and a
drawbench installed, incidental to the launching of a Shopfront Fitting
Department* In addition, the Branch has been rendered independent
of other States, with regard to its supplies of Roofing Tiles, through the
establishment of an extensive Tile-making Plant, at Edwardstown* This
plant commenced to produce in 1919, and was recently enlarged to meet
the growing demand for its products*

Early in 1926, the site in Currie Street was disposed of, and more
spacious premises were erected at the corner of Grote and Morphett
Streets* The new office building is of special interest, in that it is faced
with Architectural Terra Cotta, manufactured at the Company's Works
at Rosehill, Sydney, this being the first work of its kind in Adelaide*
Adjoining the Office is a building housing the Metalworking and Shop¬
front Departments*

V. Wilson
Sales

R* Johnsen
Works

F* J. Luscombe
Secretary

176

Adelaide Branch, Office and Showrooms, Grote Street.

A peep at the Showroom, Adelaide Branch.

177

The recently extended Tile works at Edwardstown, South Australia.

Metal Working and Shopfront Department and Store, Grote and Morphett

Streets, Adelaide.

178

PERTH BRANCH

ERTH BRANCH came into existence in May, 1909, when
the local manufacturing establishments of Massey & Co*,
and Splatt, Wall & Co* were acquired, and a Wunderlich
plant for the production of Art Metal Ceilings and Archi¬
tectural Metal Work was installed at East Perth* For some
years prior to these events, the Company had been represented in the
West by McLean Bros* and Rigg, whose agency was brought to a termina¬
tion by mutual agreement, coincident with the opening of Wunderlich
Showrooms at St* George's Terrace, Perth*

SUCCESSFUL MANUFACTURING *

In the years that immediately followed, the young Branch demon¬
strated that it was capable of emulating the achievements of the parent
concern in Sydney* Not only was Metal Ceiling Manufacture carried
on successfully, but many notable works were produced in wrought and
hammered bronze, foremost amongst these being the statuary and mem¬
orial groups illustrated on pages 71 and 70 of this volume*

Perth Branch, Office and Showroom, Lord Street, East Perth.

179

TILE WORKS ESTABLISHED .

With the advent of war, and the subsequent cessation of supplies of
French Tiles, experiments were carried out with a view to testing the
suitability of local clays for tile making. The outcome of this was the
establishment of a Tile Works towards the close of the war period.

IMPORTANT SHOPFRONT INSTALLATIONS .

In recent years, a feature of Perth activities has been the volume of
work carried out by the Shopfront-fitting Department. Show windows
of several leading emporiums have been completely remodelled, and a
considerable amount of shopfront-fitting to new premises has been exe¬
cuted. Illustrations of three important undertakings in this respect will
be found on page 90.

PERTH BRANCH TO-DAY .

Apart from Shopfront hands, the Branch has in regular employment
a staff of Metal Ceiling Fixers, Metal Work Specialists and Roofing Tilers,
for the complete installation of Wunderlich materials. Its spacious offices
and showrooms are situated in Lord Street, East Perth, adjoining the
manufacturing plants.

E. R. Niblett
Works

PERSONALITIES OF PERTH BRANCH.

J. Duncan
Secretary

180

The General Office, Perth Branch.

Perth Metal Ceiling Works, with Metal Working Department at rear.

Perth Office, Works and Yard, situated in Newcastle, Lord and Short Streets.

Another View of the Perth Tileries and Metal Ceiling Works.

182

BRISBANE BRANCH

RISBANE BRANCH was inaugurated in July, 1909, when
the local Wunderlich agency which, for several years, had
been held by Philip Frankel & Company, was terminated,
^ and Offices were opened at 363 Queen Street, Three years
later, a Factory for the manufacture of Metal Ceilings and
Architectural Metal Work was erected in Water Street, At the time, a
rival concern, the Queensland Metal Ceiling and Roofing Company Limited,
was operating in Brisbane, but in July, 1913, it was merged, with the
Wunderlich Brisbane Branch, in a new Company, registered as Wunderlich
and Steelart Limited, Under that name, the business in Queensland
was carried on until December, 1918, being then absorbed by Wunderlich
Limited, which held the controlling interest.

The Office and Works are now situated in Amelia Street, Valley,
where there is a complete plant for the manufacture of hammered and
wrought Metal Work of the highest quality. The main product is, of
course, Metal Ceiling Material, embossed in a wide variety of designs on
replicas of the dies used at the parent Redfern Works. Apart from this,
the Branch has demonstrated that it can do justice to work of special
design, a creditable example of which is illustrated on page 46,

A staff of Metal Ceiling Fixers and Roofing Tilers is maintained in
constant employment, in the execution of ** supply and fix ” contracts,
while, in addition, the Shopfront Fitting Department carries out an ap¬
preciable amount of show-window installation. Evidence of skill in this
direction is provided by the illustration at the top of page 91 of this pub¬
lication.

J. Alroe
Secretary

C. J. Taylor
Sales

H. F. Brice
Works

Brisbane Office and entrance to Works, Amelia Street, Valley.

Brisbane Branch Metal Ceiling Factory, Store and Tile Yard,

185

HOBART BRANCH

N pursuance of the policy of the Company, to establish
itself in each State of the Commonwealth, a Branch was
opened in Hobart towards the end of 1909, with an Office
and Showrooms at 107 Collins Street, For several years
prior to this, an extensive trade in Wunderlich materials
lad been carried on by Hedley Button, of Launceston, but with the in¬
auguration of the Branch, the arrangement with this agent came to an
end and, at the same time, a local Wunderlich representative was estab¬
lished in Showrooms at 71 St, John Street, Launceston,

The virility of the infant Branch was evidenced, in the years that
followed, by the volume of important contracts secured, chiefly for Metal
Ceiling installations. Business in Terra Cotta Roofing Tiles also showed
considerable development, which has been maintained, some of the recent
work calling for the picturesque Mission Tiles now so popular on the
mainland for better-class homes.

Within the past twelve months, the Branch has added another achieve¬
ment, having secured the contract for the Architectural Terra Cotta facing
to the Bursary Board Building, Hobart — a work that is now practically
complete.

The Hobart Office and Showrooms are now located at 139 Macquarie
Street, where supplies of Wunderlich Manufactures are kept in stock.
For the execution of treatments, in their entirety, the Branch has in its
employ a staff of Metal Ceiling Fixers and Roofing Tilers, It is also
equipped to carry out Shopfront Fitting, having installed a drawbench
forjhe production of metal covered Shopfront Mouldings,

Left :

A, C, Johnson
Sales and Works

Right :

V. P. Jones
Local

Representative

Launceston,

186

.Q3TIMIJ |

23JIT DHIWt 11

11 V .03TIMIJ

^ohuidjahn

Hobart Office, 139 Macquarie Street.

A corner of the Showroom, Hobart Branch.
187

PUBLICITY

ROM the earliest years of its existence, the Wunderlich
business has made free use of Publicity in connection with
its Sales campaigns* Broadly, the present day plan em¬
braces advertising in the Daily Press, Country Newspapers,
and Building or Art Journals ; regular mailings of illustrated literature
to architects, contractors and suppliers of building materials; pictorial
road-signs ; and, most important of all, periodical distribution of catalogues
and bulletins relating to the various products*

On the two following pages are shown reproductions of recent news¬
paper displays, and of Wunderlich Catalogues, all to greatly reduced
scale* The originals were prepared by the Publicity Department at
Redfern Office, which maintains its own commercial-art and advertising
staff for the work*

The Publicity Department at Head Office, Baptist Street, Redfern*

188

Reduced examples of daily-press advertisements, designed and written by
the Wunderlich Publicity Department.

c BV,L D ers- cat.,
rx T of Tal °gi

WUNDERLICH

ARCHITECTURAL

TERRA-COTTA

TERRA-COTTA FACADES
BULLETIN T.C.2

Some recent Catalogues produced at Head Office, Redfern*

190

WBEBMBBM

WELFARE MEASURES

ROM the inception of the Wunderlich business, the principals
have at all times taken a personal interest in the welfare of
the employees, and this has found practical expression in
various measures designed to mellow their conditions of
employment, enlarge the opportunities for recreation, im¬
prove their material well-being, and provide against distress in their
failing years*

In the various Factories, the Workshops are roomy, well lighted and
ventilated, and cleanliness is maintained by a staff employed for that sole
purpose* Each Department has its own dining room and cloak room,
and sanitary conveniences of the most improved types are installed*

Sport is fostered and subsidised, trophies are donated and Inter¬
branch visits are encouraged* During the recent cricket season, four
Wunderlich Clubs in Sydney were entered in Junior competitions, and
combined teams were selected from them to play against a visiting eleven
from Melbourne Branch, at Easter* Some of the matches are played
on the Wunderlich Sports Reserves adjoining the Works*

The Wunderlich Rifle Club, founded in 1909, is assisted financially,
and holds its Social Evenings in the Club Room at Redfern* One of its
members (J* E* Face) won the King's Prize in 1920*

Meritorious efforts in the Sales Branch are generously rewarded,
and Heads of important posts are given the opportunity at least once in
their lifetime to broaden their ideas and enrich their practical knowledge
by a trip to Europe, America and the East* Staff Dinners are held at
regular intervals, when the Directors and Heads of Departments come
together for a friendly exchange of ideas, over a glass of wine*

Employees of long standing are usually paid a weekly wage, irres¬
pective of Wages Board stipulations, and participate in the Profit-Sharing
scheme outlined on page 193*

The Club Room and Library at Head Office.

Portion of the Steel Locker installation in the Staff Cloak Room at
Redfern Office.

192

PROFIT SHARING WITH
EMPLOYEES

HE Staff-Partnership and Profit Sharing Fund marks an
epoch in the development of the Company, Owing to
limitations of space, it is not practicable here to furnish
more than a brief outline of the scheme, but anyone in¬
terested and desiring further details will find the information
in a publication by Dr, Wunderlich entitled u Profit Sharing, in Theory
and Practice/' obtainable at leading booksellers or on application to the
Company,

The scheme provides for the old age of employees, and for the
rewarding of meritorious services. The participants are selected by the
Directors, the amount allotted to each being at their discretion. The
general rule is that if a man has not proved worthy of allocation after
ten years' service, his employment is discontinued, but length of service
is not a necessary qualification, as each case is treated on its merits. The
security to the allottee is in the form of a Certificate under the Seal of
the Company, stating the amount allotted, in which the Company binds
itself to pay the amount on the death of the holder, or on his reaching
the age of 60 years. In the meantime, he is entitled to a dividend of 5
per cent on the amount of the certificate.

The fund has now reached £87,000, and includes 179 employees.
Freed from worry regarding their future, the participants apply them¬
selves to their work, while those not already participating endeavour to
qualify for admission. Although having no voice in the management, the
holders are virtually partners, and as such they realise that their success
is bound up with the welfare of the Company, Measured by freedom
from labour troubles, the application of the manual workers, and the
initiative and resource of the staff, the scheme is considered to be self-
supporting.

193

Profits Made and Distributed

During the 19 years since Wunderlich Limited was formed, by the
amalgamation of Wunderlich’s and Rocke’s

DIVIDENDS PAID.

! TRANSFER TO

Year

Ended

Capital .

Profits.

Staff-

Febru-

Ordinary.

Prefer-

Staff-

Partners

Reserves.

ary,

ence.

Partners.

Allot¬

ment.

1909

144,507

19,113

9,086

1,925

—

5,476

1910

155,103

21,961

10,200

1,925

—

j —

10,524

1911

162,591

23,916

11,033

2,800

—

' —

9,000

1912

162,591

30,405

11,646

2,800

—

16,000

1913

162,591

34,071

12,259

2,800

—

19,000

1914

222,591

34,607

13,599

3,821

1,730

15,770

1915

222,591

25,059

10,694

5,600

195

270

7,931

1916

222,591

24,557

10,694

5,600

156

3,950

4,870

1917

222,591

24,786

11,410

5,600

216

1,760

5,802

1918

222,591

25,258

12,833

5,600

328

1,000

4,497

1919

259,422

33,175

15,017

5,600

420

4,970

4,621

1920

379,666

30,320

21,784

5,600

700

—

486

1921

380,000

66,691

37,500

5,600

1,279

19,575

2,737

1922

380,000

37,711

30,000

5,600

1,572

—

539

1923

380,000

40,320

30,000

5,600

1,585

1,935

1,200

1924

380,000

62,240

37,500

5,600

2,525

16,175

440

1925

380,000

48,353

30,000

5,600

2,470

9,675

608

1926

380,000

64,241

37,500

5,600

3,905

15,000

2,236

1927

439,972

Premium on
Shares

84,153

45,000

43,400

5,600

5,010

15,000

45,000

Totals

775,937

396,155

88,871

20,361 j

91,040

156,737

194

84,000

PROFITS MADE BY
WUNDERLICH LTD.

Since Its Formation in

1908.

This diagram illustrates
the fluctuations in the
net earnings of the Com¬
pany since 1908. The
graph shows how profits
declined during the war
period, then recovered
after the Armistice, and
again suffered through the
reaction that followed the
post-war inflation.

SO — NNNN(NINSrJ

5)0i®®(!>(5>®22£2-2 £ 2 2 22 £ £

78,000

72,000

66,000

60,000

54,000

48,000

42,000

36,000

30.000

24,000

18,000

12,000

6,000

195

WUNDERLICH LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET as at 28th FEBRUARY". 1909

(After the Company's first year of business)

LIABILITIES.

Authorised Capital, 200,000 Shares of £1

. . 200,000

Capital issued 27,500 7 per cent Pref. Shares of £1

.. 27,500

117,007 Ordinary Shares of £1

.. 117,007

144,507

£144.507

,, unissued 55,493

200,000

Sundry Creditors, Acceptances, Bankers and Mortgages

20,627

Leasehold Amortisation Fund

1,246 13

P. and L. Account Balance

11,364

£177,745

ASSETS.

Freeholds, Leaseholds and Goodwill

90,698 14

Machinery, Plant, Furniture and Fittings

28,420

Stocks and Work in Progress, Less Reserves

• • 35,285

Book Debts and Bills Receivable, less provision

• • 17,364

Cash on Hand and at Bank

4,091

Catalogues, Stationery, Prepayments, etc.

. . 1,884

£177,745

196

WUNDERLICH LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET as at 28th FEBRUARY, 1927

Nominal Capital

.. 500,000

Issued Capital —

40,000 7 per cent ist Pref. Shares of £i each

40,000

40,000 7 per cent, and Pref. Shares of £i each

40,000

300,000 Ordinary Shares of £i each

.. 300,000

120,000 Ordinary Shares paid to io/- each ..

£60,000

Less Calls in arrears

£27/10/-

59,972

£439-972

Sundry Creditors, Bankers, and Acceptances ..

.. 90,855

Staff-Partners’ and Superannuation Fund

87,200

Reserves

.. 156,742

Profit and Loss

.. 45,365

£820,137

ASSETS.

Freehold Land and Buildings

.. 272,211

Leaseholds

1,228

Machinery, Plant, Fittings, etc., less Depreciation Reserve

.. 181,890

Stock on Hand and Work in Progress

.. 156,352

Book Debts and Bills Receivable, less Provision

.. 135,719

Cash in Hand, on Deposit, and at Bankers

4,032

Goodwill

68,701

£820,137

197

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THE WUNDERLICH ROLL OF HONOR

A cross appears against the names of soldier-employees
who made the supreme sacrifice.

198

Digitized by:

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INTERNATIONAL
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Australasia Chapter

BUILDING

TECHNOLOGY

HERITAGE

LIBRARY

https://archive.org/details/buildingtechnologyheritaqelibrarv

from the collection of:

Miles Lewis, Melbourne
funding provided by:
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